MicroRNA profiling in the Weddell seal suggests novel regulatory mechanisms contributing to diving adaptation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Weddell Seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) represents a remarkable example of adaptation to diving among marine mammals. This species is capable of diving > 900 m deep and remaining underwater for more than 60 min. A number of key physiological specializations have been identified, including the low levels of aerobic, lipid-based metabolism under hypoxia, significant increase in oxygen storage in blood and muscle; high blood volume and extreme cardiovascular control. These adaptations have been linked to increased abundance of key proteins, suggesting an important, yet still understudied role for gene reprogramming. In this study, we investigate the possibility that post-transcriptional gene regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) has contributed to the adaptive evolution of div

SUBMITTER: Penso-Dolfin L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7158035 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature