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_JMMCA1	Orcinus orca	MTNR1B	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_LECURC	Physeter catodon	MTNR1A	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_LRQMSO	Balaenoptera acutorostrata	MTNR1A	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_NG4LA2	Lipotes vexillifer	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_O2DNFM	Eschrichtius robustus	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_O6O3II	Trichechus manatus	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full		10.3390/genes10020121
GL_OV44DA	Trichechus manatus	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	No	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_PC0OGM	Trichechus manatus	MTNR1A	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full		10.3390/genes10020121
GL_PKKP49	Delphinapterus leucas	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_QBXXOP	Tursiops truncatus	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121