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Evolutionary Transitions Drive Molecular Adaptation in Sculpin Rhodopsin.

Esmé S B Macpherson1,2, Belinda S W Chang2,3, Nathan R Lovejoy4,5,6

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Sensory systems evolution

Background:

  • Habitat transitions in fishes, particularly between marine and freshwater, drive rapid adaptation in sensory systems.
  • The visual system is particularly sensitive to changes in aquatic environments, leading to evolutionary divergence at all levels.
  • Sculpins (Cottoidea) are a diverse fish group inhabiting various benthic environments, making them ideal for studying visual system evolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary trajectory of dim light-sensitive rhodopsin genes in sculpins.
  • To understand how habitat transitions, including marine-freshwater shifts and deep-sea adaptation, have influenced rhodopsin evolution and function.
  • To identify selective pressures and functional adaptations in sculpin rhodopsin genes across diverse habitats.

Main Methods:

  • Employed molecular evolution models to analyze selective pressures on cottoid rhodopsin genes.
  • Estimated spectral absorbance of rhodopsin proteins across various sculpin species.
  • Compared rhodopsin evolution in marine (Psychrolutidae) and freshwater (Cottidae) sculpins, including endemic Lake Baikal species.

Main Results:

  • Pervasive positive selection was detected across sculpin rhodopsin genes.
  • Freshwater transition and radiation led to genetic diversification and a red-shifted spectral absorbance.
  • Lake Baikal sculpins adapted to deep waters by progressively blue-shifting rhodopsin.
  • Marine Psychrolutidae rhodopsins are under strong positive selection, with spectral absorbance potentially linked to non-spectral adaptations for dim-light vision and migratory life history.

Conclusions:

  • Habitat transitions are significant drivers of functional diversity in sculpin rhodopsin genes.
  • Sculpin visual systems exhibit remarkable adaptation to diverse light environments, from shallow freshwater to the deep sea.
  • Rhodopsin evolution in sculpins highlights the interplay between environmental pressures, genetic adaptation, and sensory system function.