Genomic adaptations for arboreal locomotion in Asian flying treefrogs.

Wu, Wei; Gao, Yue-Dong; Jiang, De-Chun; Lei, Juan; Ren, Jin-Long; Liao, Wen-Bo; Deng, Cao; Wang, Zeng et al. · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2022

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

SignificanceTo adapt to arboreal lifestyles, treefrogs have evolved a suite of complex traits that support vertical movement and gliding, thus presenting a unique case for studying the genetic basis for traits causally linked to vertical niche expansion. Here, based on two de novo-assembled Asian treefrog genomes, we determined that genes involved in limb development and keratin cytoskeleton likely played a role in the evolution of their climbing systems. Behavioral and morphological evaluation and time-ordered gene coexpression network analysis revealed the developmental patterns and regulatory pathways of the webbed feet used for gliding in <i>Rhacophorus kio</i>.

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