Cis-regulatory evolution reveals sensory trade-offs as a genetic basis for temporal niche evolution in tapirs - PubMed
11 hours ago
- #cis-regulatory elements
- #nocturnal adaptation
- #sensory evolution
- Evolutionary shifts in diel activity patterns influence sensory remodeling in mammals.
- Tapirs reverted from a cathemeral ancestor to a nocturnal niche, enhancing hearing and olfaction while reducing vision.
- High-quality chromosome-level genomes for Tapirus terrestris and Tapirus indicus were generated for comparative analysis.
- Lineage-specific remodeling of genes and cis-regulatory elements linked to sensory pathways was observed.
- CRISPR-Cas9 editing of a tapir-specific conserved noncoding element (CNE74) in mice showed retinal degeneration and reduced visual acuity but enhanced auditory sensitivity.
- Regulatory element evolution may induce pleiotropic effects on competing sensory modalities.
- Findings provide genetic insights into sensory evolution during temporal niche adaptation and potential relevance to human retinal vascular diseases.