Comparative Analysis of Bat Genomes Provides Insight into the Evolution of Flight and Immunity.

Authors: Zhang G; Cowled C; Shi Z; Huang Z; Bishop-Lilly KA; Fang X; Wynne JW; Xiong Z; Baker ML; Zhao W; Tachedjian M; Zhu Y; Zhou P; Jiang X; Ng J; Yang L; Wu L; Xiao J; Feng Y; Chen Y; Sun X; Zhang Y; Marsh GA; Crameri G; Broder CC; Frey KG; Wang LF; Wang J

Abstract: Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight and are notorious reservoir hosts for some of the world's most highly pathogenic viruses, including Nipah, Hendra, Ebola, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). To identify genetic changes associated with the development of bat-specific traits, we performed whole-genome sequencing and comparative analyses of two distantly related bat species, fruit bat Pteropus alecto and insectivorous Myotis davidii. We discovered an unexpected concentration of positively selected genes in the DNA damage checkpoint and nuclear factor-kappaB pathways that may be related to the origin of flight, as well as expansion and contraction of important gene families. Comparison of bat genomes with other mammalian species has provided new insights into bat biology and evolution.

Journal: Science (New York, N.Y.)
Date: Dec. 22, 2012
PMID: 23258410
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Notes:

Genome sequences of two bat species - Not much is known about longevity of the two species (fruit bat Pteropus alecto and insectivorous Myotis davidii), but bats are generally long-lived. Interestingly, the two bats have an unexpected concentration of positively selected genes in DNA damage checkpoint and nuclear factor–κB signaling.


Label: Species

Citation:

Zhang G, Cowled C, Shi Z, Huang Z, Bishop-Lilly KA, Fang X, Wynne JW, Xiong Z, Baker ML, Zhao W, Tachedjian M, Zhu Y, Zhou P, Jiang X, Ng J, Yang L, Wu L, Xiao J, Feng Y, Chen Y, Sun X, Zhang Y, Marsh GA, Crameri G, Broder CC, Frey KG, Wang LF, Wang J (2012) Comparative Analysis of Bat Genomes Provides Insight into the Evolution of Flight and Immunity. Science (New York, N.Y.).



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