Gene Loss

Publication Details

Identifier: JB_NJQWHQ

Curator: Nádia Silva

Title:

The Singularity of Cetacea Behavior Parallels the Complete Inactivation of Melatonin Gene Modules.

Abstract:

Melatonin, the hormone of darkness, is a peculiar molecule found in most living organisms. Emerging as a potent broad-spectrum antioxidant, melatonin was repurposed into extra roles such as the modulation of circadian and seasonal rhythmicity, affecting numerous aspects of physiology and behaviour, including sleep entrainment and locomotor activity. Interestingly, the pineal gland-the melatonin synthesising organ in vertebrates-was suggested to be absent or rudimentary in some mammalian lineages, including Cetacea. In Cetacea, pineal regression is paralleled by their unique bio-rhythmicity, as illustrated by the unihemispheric sleeping behaviour and long-term vigilance. Here, we examined the genes responsible for melatonin synthesis ( and ) and signalling ( and ) in 12 toothed and baleen whale genomes. Based on an ample genomic comparison, we deduce that melatonin-related gene modules are eroded in Cetacea.

Last update:

23-07-2024

Associated Glosses (49 results)

GlossID	Species	Symbol	Gene Loss Mechanism	Loss Type	Lineage Specific	Citation
GL_FB7GDM	Sousa chinensis	MTNR1B	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_FBOFBE	Balaenoptera acutorostrata	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_FPC5XL	Sousa chinensis	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_FSHJBR	Balaenoptera bonaerensis	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_GCHCJK	Physeter catodon	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_GUTFE2	Lagenorhynchus obliquidens	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_H24JFU	Sousa chinensis	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_H68HBF	Delphinapterus leucas	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_HH8TEJ	Lagenorhynchus obliquidens	MTNR1B	Exon(s) deletion	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_HMH397	Lipotes vexillifer	MTNR1B	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121