The Evolution of Unusually Small Amelogenin Genes in Cetaceans; Pseudogenization, X-Y Gene Conversion, and Feeding Strategy.

ABSTRACT: Among extant cetaceans, mysticetes are filter feeders that do not possess teeth and use their baleen for feeding, while most odontocetes are considered suction feeders, which capture prey by suction without biting or chewing with teeth. In the present study, we address the functionality of amelogenin (AMEL) genes in cetaceans. AMEL encodes a protein that is specifically involved in dental enamel formation and is located on the sex chromosomes in eutherians. The X-copy AMELX is functional in enamel-bearing eutherians, whereas the Y-copy AMELY appears to have undergone decay and was completely lost in some species. Consistent with these premises, we detected various deleterious mutations and/or non-canonical splice junctions in AMELX of mysticetes and four suction feeding odontocetes, Delphi

SUBMITTER: Kawasaki K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9251807 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature