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Uncovering Evolutionary Adaptations in Common Warthogs through Genomic Analyses.

Xintong Yang^1,2, Xingzheng Li¹, Qi Bao¹

¹Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics of MARA, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518124, China.

|February 24, 2024

Summary

Warthogs exhibit unique evolutionary adaptations, with expanded sensory genes and contracted metabolic genes, enhancing their survival. This genomic study reveals their distinct evolutionary path and potential for disease resistance, particularly against African Swine Fever Virus.

Keywords:

QTL divergence gene family phenotype phylogenetic relationships warthog

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Area of Science:

Comparative genomics
Evolutionary biology
Animal genetics

Background:

Warthogs (Suidae family) possess remarkable adaptability and specific traits.
Understanding their evolutionary trajectory is key to deciphering pig diversity and disease resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct a comparative genomic analysis of warthogs against other Suidae species.
To identify evolutionary adaptations, gene family dynamics, and trait associations in warthogs.

Main Methods:

Integrated genomic sequences from warthogs and four other Suidae species.
Identified 8868 single-copy orthologous genes for phylogenetic analysis.
Performed gene family contraction/expansion analyses and associated genes with QTLdb-pigSS11.

Main Results:

Phylogenetic analysis revealed warthogs diverged earlier than other studied pig breeds (DRC, LC).
Warthogs showed gene family expansion in sensory genes and contraction in metabolic genes.
Olfactory genes were linked to immune-related quantitative trait loci (QTL), suggesting adaptation.

Conclusions:

Warthogs possess distinct evolutionary strategies, driven by sensory gene expansion and metabolic gene contraction.
These adaptations contribute to their unique phenotypic diversity and survival capabilities.
Findings provide insights into pig adaptability and disease resistance, relevant for African Swine Fever Virus research.