Adaptive Evolution of Energy Metabolism-Related Genes in Hypoxia-Tolerant Mammals.

ABSTRACT: Animals that are able to sustain life under hypoxic conditions have long captured the imagination of biologists and medical practitioners alike. Although the associated morphological modifications have been extensively described, the mechanisms underlying the evolution of hypoxia tolerance are not well understood. To provide such insights, we investigated genes in four major energy metabolism pathways, and provide evidence of distinct evolutionary paths to mammalian hypoxia-tolerance. Positive selection of genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway mainly occurred in terrestrial hypoxia-tolerant species; possible adaptations to chronically hypoxic environments. The strongest candidate for positive selection along cetacean lineages was the citrate cycle signaling pathway, suggestive of

SUBMITTER: Tian R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5725996 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature