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Decoding the Evolution of Melanin in Vertebrates.

M E McNamara1, V Rossi1, T S Slater1

  • 1School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall, Cork T23 TK30, Ireland; Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Lee Road, Cork T23 XE10, Ireland.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|February 7, 2021
PubMed
Summary

Fossil melanosomes reveal evolutionary trends in melanin, linking pigment changes to vertebrate endothermy and ecology. This study explores the genetic and functional evolution of melanin across vertebrate history.

Keywords:
MC1Rfossil colormelaninsmelanosomesmetallome

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Area of Science:

  • Paleontology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Melanins are crucial pigments in vertebrates, involved in UV protection, visual signaling, and homeostasis.
  • Fossil evidence of melanosomes offers insights into melanin's evolutionary history, but macroevolutionary trends remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate macroevolutionary trends in vertebrate melanin and melanosomes using fossil data.
  • To identify potential genomic controls and ecological links in melanin evolution.
  • To explore evolutionary tradeoffs between melanin function and cytotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Integration of fossil data with current knowledge of melanin function, biochemistry, and genetics.
  • Mapping of key genes to phenotypic traits of fossil vertebrates.
  • Analysis of taxonomic and anatomical trends in melanosome characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Identified potential genomic underpinnings for melanin evolution by mapping genes to fossil traits.
  • Linked taxonomic trends in melanosome features (location, geometry, chemistry) to the evolution of endothermy.
  • Observed tissue-specific and taxonomic patterns in melanin chemistry suggesting functional tradeoffs.

Conclusions:

  • Melanin biology shows fundamental links to vertebrate ecology and the evolution of endothermy.
  • Fossil melanosome data provides critical insights into the macroevolution of pigmentary systems.
  • Evolutionary pressures have shaped melanin chemistry, balancing function with potential cytotoxicity.