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Whole-genome sequence of a flatfish provides insights into ZW sex chromosome evolution and adaptation to a benthic lifestyle.
- Source :
-
Nature genetics [Nat Genet] 2014 Mar; Vol. 46 (3), pp. 253-60. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Feb 02. - Publication Year :
- 2014
-
Abstract
- Genetic sex determination by W and Z chromosomes has developed independently in different groups of organisms. To better understand the evolution of sex chromosomes and the plasticity of sex-determination mechanisms, we sequenced the whole genomes of a male (ZZ) and a female (ZW) half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). In addition to insights into adaptation to a benthic lifestyle, we find that the sex chromosomes of these fish are derived from the same ancestral vertebrate protochromosome as the avian W and Z chromosomes. Notably, the same gene on the Z chromosome, dmrt1, which is the male-determining gene in birds, showed convergent evolution of features that are compatible with a similar function in tongue sole. Comparison of the relatively young tongue sole sex chromosomes with those of mammals and birds identified events that occurred during the early phase of sex-chromosome evolution. Pertinent to the current debate about heterogametic sex-chromosome decay, we find that massive gene loss occurred in the wake of sex-chromosome 'birth'.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1546-1718
- Volume :
- 46
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nature genetics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 24487278
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.2890