Convergent evolution of barnacles and molluscs sheds lights in origin and diversification of calcareous shell and sessile lifestyle.

ABSTRACT: The calcareous shell and sessile lifestyle are the representative phenotypes of many molluscs, which happen to be present in barnacles, a group of unique crustaceans. The origin of these phenotypes is unclear, but it may be embodied in the convergent genetics of such distant groups (interphylum). Herein, we perform comprehensive comparative genomics analysis in barnacles and molluscs, and reveal a genome-wide strong convergent molecular evolution between them, including coexpansion of biomineralization and organic matrix genes for shell formation, and origination of lineage-specific orphan genes for settlement. Notably, the expanded biomineralization gene encoding alkaline phosphatase evolves a novel, highly conserved motif that may trigger the origin of barnacle shell formation. Unlike mo

SUBMITTER: Yuan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9470267 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature