Gekko japonicus genome reveals evolution of adhesive toe pads and tail regeneration.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 26598231.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/ncomms10033 and PMC identifier 4673495.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Reptiles are the most morphologically and physiologically diverse tetrapods, and have undergone 300 million years of adaptive evolution. Within the reptilian tetrapods, geckos possess several interesting features, including the ability to regenerate autotomized tails and to climb on smooth surfaces. Here we sequence the genome of Gekko japonicus (Schlegel's Japanese Gecko) and investigate genetic elements related to its physiology. We obtain a draft G. japonicus genome sequence of 2.55 Gb and annotated 22,487 genes. Comparative genomic analysis reveals specific gene family expansions or reductions that are associated with the formation of adhesive setae, nocturnal vision and tail regeneration, as well as the diversification of olfactory sensation. The obtained genomic data provide robust genetic evidence of adaptive evolution in reptiles.
Medical subject headings
- Alligators and Crocodiles
- Evolution, Molecular
- Genome
- Lizards
- Night Vision
- Regeneration
- Smell
- Tail
- Toes