Comparative transcriptomics highlights convergent evolution of energy metabolic pathways in group-living spiders.

ABSTRACT: Although widely thought to be aggressive, solitary, and potentially cannibalistic, some spider species have evolved group-living behaviors. The distinct transition provides the framework to uncover group-living evolution. Here, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic study and examined patterns of molecular evolution in two independently evolved group-living spiders and twelve solitary species. We report that positively selected genes among group-living spider lineages are significantly enriched in nutrient metabolism and autophagy pathways. We also show that nutrient-related genes of group-living spiders convergently experience amino acid substitutions and accelerated relative evolutionary rates. These results indicate adaptive convergence of nutrient metabolism that may ensure energy s

SUBMITTER: Yang H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7995277 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature