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Heterotrimeric G proteins are guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. As the name suggests, heterotrimeric G proteins are composed of three subunits: alpha, beta, and gamma. They remain GDP-bound or GTP-bound inside the cells and switch between inactive/active states. The Gα subunit possesses the nucleotide-binding pocket that binds guanine nucleotides and switches between GDP or GTP-bound states. In contrast, the Gꞵ and Gγ subunits are always bound together with high...
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Cetacean-specific GPR12 mutation is functionally associated with blubber thickening.

Yuehua Wang1, Qian Zhang1, Guiping Xu1

  • 1Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Utilization in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Basin, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China.

Gene
|August 29, 2025
PubMed
Summary

Cetaceans evolved thicker blubber for aquatic life. A specific gene change in cetaceans may reduce fat breakdown, aiding blubber development and thermal adaptation in marine environments.

Keywords:
Adaptive evolutionCetacean-specific mutationGPR12LipolysisThickened blubber

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Area of Science:

  • Marine Mammal Biology
  • Evolutionary Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Marine mammals independently evolved thick blubber for thermal challenges in aquatic environments.
  • Blubber, a specialized adipose tissue, is crucial for insulation, energy storage, buoyancy, and locomotion.
  • The molecular mechanisms driving blubber thickening remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular evolutionary mechanisms behind blubber thickening in cetaceans.
  • To identify genetic factors contributing to the unique adipose tissue adaptations in marine mammals.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted an evolutionary analysis of the mammalian GPR12 gene.
  • Performed in vitro cellular experiments to assess the functional impact of a cetacean-specific amino acid substitution.

Main Results:

  • Identified a cetacean-specific amino acid substitution in the GPR12 gene, absent in other mammals.
  • This substitution was shown to potentially reduce adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) expression, thereby decreasing lipolytic activity in vitro.

Conclusions:

  • Uncovered genetic signals influencing lipolysis capacity in cetaceans.
  • These genetic changes may represent an evolutionary mechanism for blubber thickening during cetacean secondary aquatic adaptation.