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Comparative transcriptomic evidence of physiological changes and potential relationships in vertebrates under
Yu-Han Niu1,2,3, Li-Hong Guan1,4, Cheng Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China.
Zoological Research
|March 14, 2024
Summary
Organisms use dormancy, like hibernation and aestivation, to survive harsh conditions. This study reveals shared molecular mechanisms across different dormancy types, suggesting convergent evolution in vertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Comparative physiology
- Molecular biology
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Dormancy is a survival strategy involving hibernation and aestivation.
- Understanding molecular adaptations during dormancy is crucial.
- The relationship between different dormancy states needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate molecular mechanisms of hibernation and aestivation.
- To explore potential correlations between hibernation and aestivation.
- To identify conserved gene expression patterns during vertebrate dormancy.
Main Methods:
- Histological and transcriptomic analysis of *Perccottus glenii* (hibernation) and *Protopterus annectens* (aestivation).
- Comparative analysis of dormancy-capable species using public databases.
- Enrichment analyses to compare gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- Dormancy involves coordinated organ responses and species-specific adaptations to temperature extremes.
- Similarities in gene expression related to energy metabolism, neural activity, and biosynthesis were observed between hibernation and aestivation.
- Conserved expression patterns in orthologous genes related to metabolism, cell proliferation, and neural function across species.
Conclusions:
- Dormancy involves complex, coordinated molecular adaptations.
- Hibernation and aestivation share underlying molecular similarities, likely due to convergent evolution.
- This study provides novel insights into the molecular basis of vertebrate dormancy.
