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_QDSGBN	Orcinus orca	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_QTCRD0	Balaenoptera acutorostrata	MTNR1B	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_RHHZBS	Neophocaena asiaeorientalis	MTNR1B	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_RXAUKI	Neophocaena asiaeorientalis	MTNR1A	Gene deletion	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_UGO5C9	Neophocaena asiaeorientalis	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_UMHIO5	Balaenoptera bonaerensis	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_XV3HKC	Lipotes vexillifer	ASMT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_Y5NBEA	Balaena mysticetus	AANAT	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121
GL_ZVASSZ	Delphinapterus leucas	MTNR1B	LOF (frameshift, premature stop, ss)	Full	Cetacea	10.3390/genes10020121