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Abitbol M, Couronné A, Dufaure de Citres C, Gache V. A PAX3 insertion in the Celestial breed and certain feline breeding lines with dominant blue eyes. Anim Genet 2024; 55:670-675. [PMID: 38644700 DOI: 10.1111/age.13433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
During the last 60 years many inherited traits in domestic outbred cats were selected and retained giving birth to new breeds characterised by singular coat or morphological phenotypes. Among them, minimal white spotting associated with blue eyes was selected by feline breeders to create the Altai, Topaz, and Celestial breeds. Various established breeds also introduced this trait in their lineages. The trait, that was confirmed as autosomal dominant by breeding data, was first described in domestic cats from Kazakhstan and Russia, in British shorthair and British longhair from Russia, and in Maine Coon cats from the Netherlands, suggesting different founding effects. Using a genome-wide association study we identified a single region on chromosome C1 that was associated with the minimal white spotting and blue eyes phenotype (also called DBE by breeders for dominant blue eyes) in the French Celestial breed. Within that region we identified Paired Box 3 (PAX3) as the strongest candidate gene, since PAX3 is a key regulator of MITF (Melanocyte-Inducing Transcription Factor) and PAX3 variants have been previously identified in various species showing white spotting with or without blue eyes including the mouse and the horse. Whole genome sequencing of a Celestial cat revealed an endogenous retrovirus LTR (long terminal repeat) insertion within PAX3 intron 4 known to contain regulatory sequences (conserved non-coding element [CNE]) involved in PAX3 expression. The insertion is in the vicinity of CNE2 and CNE3. All 52 Celestial and Celestial-mixed cats with a DBE phenotype presented the insertion, that was absent in their 22 non-DBE littermates and in 87 non-DBE cats from various breeds. The outbred Celestial founder was also heterozygous for the insertion. Additionally, the variant was found in nine DBE Maine Coon cats related to the Celestial founder and four DBE Siberian cats with an uncertain origin. Segregation of the variant in the Celestial breed is consistent with dominant inheritance and does not appear to be associated with deafness. We propose that this NC_018730.3:g.206974029_206974030insN[395] variant represents the DBECEL (Celestial Dominant Blue Eyes) allele in the domestic cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Abitbol
- Univ Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy-l'Etoile, France
- Institut NeuroMyoGène INMG-PNMG, CNRS UMR5261, INSERM U1315, Faculté de Médecine, Rockefeller, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Vincent Gache
- Institut NeuroMyoGène INMG-PNMG, CNRS UMR5261, INSERM U1315, Faculté de Médecine, Rockefeller, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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2
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Anderson H, Salonen M, Toivola S, Blades M, Lyons LA, Forman OP, Hytönen MK, Lohi H. A new Finnish flavor of feline coat coloration, "salmiak," is associated with a 95-kb deletion downstream of the KIT gene. Anim Genet 2024; 55:676-680. [PMID: 38721753 DOI: 10.1111/age.13438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Cats with a distinctive white hair pattern of unknown molecular cause have been discovered in the Finnish domestic cat population. Based on the unique appearance of these cats, we have named this phenotype salmiak ("salty licorice"). The use of a commercially available panel test to genotype four salmiak-colored cats revealed the absence of all known variants associated with white-haired phenotypic loci: full White (W), Spotting (Ws) and the Birman white Gloves associated (wg) allele of the KIT proto-oncogene (KIT) gene. Whole-genome sequencing on two salmiak-colored cats was conducted to search for candidate causal variants in the KIT gene. Despite a lack of coding variants, visual inspection of the short read alignments revealed a large ~95 kb deletion located ~65 kb downstream of the KIT gene in the salmiak cats. Additional PCR genotyping of 180 domestic cats and three salmiak-colored cats confirmed the homozygous derived variant genotype fully concordant with the salmiak phenotype. We suggest the newly identified variant be designated as wsal for "w salmiak".
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Anderson
- Wisdom Panel, Mars Petcare Science & Diagnostics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Milla Salonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Matthew Blades
- Wisdom Panel, Mars Petcare Science & Diagnostics, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Leslie A Lyons
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Oliver P Forman
- Wisdom Panel, Mars Petcare Science & Diagnostics, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Marjo K Hytönen
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannes Lohi
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
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3
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Jaito W, Singchat W, Patta C, Thatukan C, Kumnan N, Chalermwong P, Budi T, Panthum T, Wongloet W, Wattanadilokchatkun P, Thong T, Muangmai N, Han K, Duengkae P, Phatcharakullawarawat R, Srikulnath K. Shared alleles and genetic structures in different Thai domestic cat breeds: the possible influence of common racial origins. Genomics Inform 2024; 22:12. [PMID: 39085978 PMCID: PMC11292921 DOI: 10.1186/s44342-024-00013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Over hundreds of years, cats have been domesticated and selectively bred, resulting in numerous pedigreed breeds expedited by recent cat shows and breeding associations. Concerns have been raised about the limited breeding options and the genetic implications of inbreeding, indicating challenges in maintaining genetic diversity and accurate identification in purebred cats. In this study, genetic variability and structure were examined in 5 Thai domestic cat breeds using 15 microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequencing. In total, 184 samples representing the Wichien Maat (WCM), Suphalak (SL), Khao-Manee (KM), Korat (KR), and Konja (KJ) breeds were analyzed. High genetic diversity (Ho and He > 0.5) was observed in all breeds, and mtDNA analysis revealed two primary haplogroups (A and B) that were shared among all domestic cat breeds in Thailand and globally. However, minor differences were observed between Thai domestic cat breeds based on clustering analyses, in which a distinct genetic structure was observed in the WCM breed. This suggests that allele fixation for distinctive morphological traits has occurred in Thai domestic cat breeds that emerged in isolated regions with shared racial origins. Analysis of relationships among individuals within the breed revealed high identification efficiency in Thai domestic cat breeds (P(ID)sibs < 10-4). Additionally, diverse and effective individual identification can be ensured by optimizing marker efficiency by using only nine loci. This comprehensive genetic characterization provides valuable insights into conservation strategies and breeding practices for Thai domestic cat breeds.
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Grants
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- 6514400931,6514400892, 6514400906, 6514400914, 6514400949 Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi-FI)
- FF(S-KU)17.66, FF(SRU)25.64, and FF(KU)45.67 Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute funds
- FF(S-KU)17.66, FF(SRU)25.64, and FF(KU)45.67 Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute funds
- FF(S-KU)17.66, FF(SRU)25.64, and FF(KU)45.67 Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute funds
- FF(S-KU)17.66, FF(SRU)25.64, and FF(KU)45.67 Kasetsart University Research and Development Institute funds
- 3/2564 Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) grant through the Kasetsart University Reinventing University Program 2021
- 3/2564 Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) grant through the Kasetsart University Reinventing University Program 2021
- Higher Education for Industry Consortium (Hi–FI)
- International SciKU Branding (ISB), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University
- High-Quality Research Graduate Development Cooperation Project between Kasetsart University and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattanawan Jaito
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Mind Pets Animal Hospital, 169/10 Khlongsongtonnun, Latkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
| | - Worapong Singchat
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
| | - Chananya Patta
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Mind Pets Animal Hospital, 169/10 Khlongsongtonnun, Latkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
| | - Chadaphon Thatukan
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Mind Pets Animal Hospital, 169/10 Khlongsongtonnun, Latkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
| | - Nichakorn Kumnan
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Mind Pets Animal Hospital, 169/10 Khlongsongtonnun, Latkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
| | - Piangjai Chalermwong
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Mind Pets Animal Hospital, 169/10 Khlongsongtonnun, Latkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand
| | - Trifan Budi
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Thitipong Panthum
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Wongsathit Wongloet
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Pish Wattanadilokchatkun
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Thanyapat Thong
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Narongrit Muangmai
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Department of Fishery Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Kyudong Han
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Korea
- Bio-Medical Engineering Core Facility Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Korea
| | - Prateep Duengkae
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | | | - Kornsorn Srikulnath
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Center for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, National Research University-Kasetsart University, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
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4
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Niesman IR. Stress and the domestic cat: have humans accidentally created an animal mimic of neurodegeneration? Front Neurol 2024; 15:1429184. [PMID: 39099784 PMCID: PMC11294998 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1429184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) appear to share commonality of origin, chronic ER stress. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a dynamic organelle, functioning as a major site of protein synthesis and protein posttranslational modifications, required for proper folding. ER stress can occur because of external stimuli, such as oxidative stress or neuroinflammatory cytokines, creating the ER luminal environment permissive for the accumulation of aggregated and misfolded proteins. Unresolvable ER stress upregulates a highly conserved pathway, the unfolded protein response (UPR). Maladaptive chronic activation of UPR components leads to apoptotic neuronal death. In addition to other factors, physiological responses to stressors are emerging as a significant risk factor in the etiology and pathogenesis of NDD. Owned cats share a common environment with people, being exposed to many of the same stressors as people and additional pressures due to their "quasi" domesticated status. Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (fCDS) presents many of the same disease hallmarks as human NDD. The prevalence of fCDS is rapidly increasing as more people welcome cats as companions. Barely recognized 20 years ago, veterinarians and scientists are in infancy stages in understanding what is a very complex disease. This review will describe how cats may represent an unexplored animal mimetic phenotype for human NDD with stressors as potential triggering mechanisms. We will consider how multiple variations of stressful events over the short-life span of a cat could affect neuronal loss or glial dysfunction and ultimately tip the balance towards dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid R. Niesman
- Department of Biology, SDSU Electron Microscopy Facility, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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5
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McGrath AP, Horschler DJ, Hancock L. Feline Cognition and the Role of Nutrition: An Evolutionary Perspective and Historical Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1967. [PMID: 38998079 PMCID: PMC11240355 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Research into cognition in cats and the impact of nutrition on cat cognitive health lags behind that in dogs but is receiving increased attention. In this review, we discuss the evolutionary history of the domesticated cat, describe possible drivers of domestication, and explore the interrelationships between nutrition and cat cognition. While most cat species are solitary, domesticated cats can live in social groups, engage in complex social encounters, and form strong attachments to humans. Researchers have recently started to study cat cognition using similar methods as those developed for dogs, with an initial primary focus on perception and social cognition. Similar to dogs, cats also show cognitive and behavioral changes associated with stress and aging, but these signs are often gradual and often considered a consequence of natural aging. Despite the fundamental role of nutrition in cognitive development, function, and maintenance, research into the association between nutrition and cognition in cats is only preliminary. Ultimately, additional research is needed to gain a full understanding of cat cognition and to explore the role of nutrition in the cognitive health of cats to help improve their welfare.
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6
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Rodan I, Ramos D, Carney H, DePorter T, Horwitz DF, Mills D, Vitale K. 2024 AAFP intercat tension guidelines: recognition, prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2024; 26:1098612X241263465. [PMID: 39012263 PMCID: PMC11292941 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x241263465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Social tension or conflict between household cats is common but, because it often manifests as subtle behavioral changes, it can go unnoticed; it is precisely because most signs are subtle and unrecognized that the term 'tension' is used. Where associated tension-related chronic fear-anxiety leads to more overt behavioral concerns and stress-associated disease, cats may face relinquishment by caregivers or even euthanasia if the tension is not relieved. The '2024 AAFP intercat tension guidelines: recognition, prevention and management' have been authored by a Task Force of board-certified veterinary and applied behaviorists and clinical experts in feline medicine and behavior convened by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. The aim is to support veterinary professionals in understanding social behavior between cats and, more specifically, in recognizing intercat tension, preventing or minimizing its occurrence and managing the stressors. In developing the Guidelines, the Task Force has modified the five pillars of a healthy feline environment to provide a framework to assist the prevention or management of intercat tension in households with two or more cats. Because feline social behavior is often misunderstood, the Guidelines debunk 10 common myths that have the potential to negatively impact the wellbeing of companion cats. Extensively illustrated with visual examples of intercat tension and an Appendix detailing a number of case studies, the Guidelines also include a comprehensive table of psychotherapeutic medications, and a detailed algorithm that outlines a systematic approach to preventing, recognizing and resolving intercat tension. A step-by-step approach to introducing a new cat into a household with one or more resident cats is included to further support veterinarians, and a range of management tools to promote client education accompany the Guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Rodan
- Co-Chair Cat Behavior Solutions, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daniela Ramos
- Co-Chair PSICOVET Veterinary Behavior Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hazel Carney
- Feline Behavior Medicine at Gem Veterinary Center, Emmett, ID, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel Mills
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
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7
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Murphy WJ, Harris AJ. Toward telomere-to-telomere cat genomes for precision medicine and conservation biology. Genome Res 2024; 34:655-664. [PMID: 38849156 PMCID: PMC11216403 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278546.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Genomic data from species of the cat family Felidae promise to stimulate veterinary and human medical advances, and clarify the coherence of genome organization. We describe how interspecies hybrids have been instrumental in the genetic analysis of cats, from the first genetic maps to propelling cat genomes toward the T2T standard set by the human genome project. Genotype-to-phenotype mapping in cat models has revealed dozens of health-related genetic variants, the molecular basis for mammalian pigmentation and patterning, and species-specific adaptations. Improved genomic surveillance of natural and captive populations across the cat family tree will increase our understanding of the genetic architecture of traits, population dynamics, and guide a future of genome-enabled biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Murphy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA;
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA
| | - Andrew J Harris
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843-4458, USA
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8
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Chen L, Ma J, Xu W, Shen F, Yang Z, Sonne C, Dietz R, Li L, Jie X, Li L, Yan G, Zhang X. Comparative transcriptome and methylome of polar bears, giant and red pandas reveal diet-driven adaptive evolution. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13731. [PMID: 38894980 PMCID: PMC11183199 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the evolution of species adaptations, yet little information is available on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the adaptive evolution of bamboo-eating in both giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and red pandas (Ailurus fulgens). To investigate the potential contribution of epigenetic to the adaptive evolution of bamboo-eating in giant and red pandas, we performed hepatic comparative transcriptome and methylome analyses between bamboo-eating pandas and carnivorous polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We found that genes involved in carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and protein metabolism showed significant differences in methylation and expression levels between the two panda species and polar bears. Clustering analysis of gene expression revealed that giant pandas did not form a sister group with the more closely related polar bears, suggesting that the expression pattern of genes in livers of giant pandas and red pandas have evolved convergently driven by their similar diets. Compared to polar bears, some key genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and biological oxidation and cholesterol synthesis showed hypomethylation and higher expression in giant and red pandas, while genes involved in fat digestion and absorption, fatty acid metabolism, lysine degradation, resistance to lipid peroxidation and detoxification showed hypermethylation and low expression. Our study elucidates the special nutrient utilization mechanism of giant pandas and red pandas and provides some insights into the molecular mechanism of their adaptive evolution of bamboo feeding. This has important implications for the breeding and conservation of giant pandas and red pandas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jinnan Ma
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- College of Continuing EducationYunnan Normal UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Wencai Xu
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Fujun Shen
- Sichuan Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered WildlifeChengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingChengduChina
| | | | - Christian Sonne
- Arctic Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of EcoscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Arctic Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of EcoscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Linzhu Li
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaodie Jie
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Guoqiang Yan
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiuyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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9
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Feiner N, Yang W, Bunikis I, While GM, Uller T. Adaptive introgression reveals the genetic basis of a sexually selected syndrome in wall lizards. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk9315. [PMID: 38569035 PMCID: PMC10990284 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk9315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The joint expression of particular colors, morphologies, and behaviors is a common feature of adaptation, but the genetic basis for such "phenotypic syndromes" remains poorly understood. Here, we identified a complex genetic architecture associated with a sexually selected syndrome in common wall lizards, by capitalizing on the adaptive introgression of coloration and morphology into a distantly related lineage. Consistent with the hypothesis that the evolution of phenotypic syndromes in vertebrates is facilitated by developmental linkage through neural crest cells, most of the genes associated with the syndrome are involved in neural crest cell regulation. A major locus was a ~400-kb region, characterized by standing structural genetic variation and previously implied in the evolutionary innovation of coloration and beak size in birds. We conclude that features of the developmental and genetic architecture contribute to maintaining trait integration, facilitating the extensive and rapid introgressive spread of suites of sexually selected characters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weizhao Yang
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ignas Bunikis
- Uppsala Genome Center, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Geoffrey M. While
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tobias Uller
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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10
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Pyott ML, Norris DR, Mitchell GW, Custode L, Gow EA. Home range size and habitat selection of owned outdoor domestic cats ( Felis catus) in urban southwestern Ontario. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17159. [PMID: 38562997 PMCID: PMC10984174 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats (Felis catus) play a dual role in society as both companion animals and predators. When provided with unsupervised outdoor access, cats can negatively impact native wildlife and create public health and animal welfare challenges. The effective implementation of management strategies, such as buffer zones or curfews, requires an understanding of home range size, the factors that influence their movement, and the types of habitats they use. Here, we used a community/citizen scientist approach to collect movement and habitat use data using GPS collars on owned outdoor cats in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph region, southwestern Ontario, Canada. Mean (± SD) 100% minimum convex polygon home range size was 8 ± 8 ha (range: 0.34-38 ha) and was positively associated with road density but not with intrinsic factors such as boldness, sex, or age. With regards to habitat selection, cats used greenspaces, roads, and agricultural land less often than predicted but strongly selected for impervious surfaces (urban areas other than greenspaces or roads). Our results suggest that wildlife near buildings and residential areas are likely at the greatest risk of cat predation and that a buffer size of 840 m would be needed to restrict cats from entering areas of conservation concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlee L. Pyott
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - D. Ryan Norris
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg W. Mitchell
- Department of Integrative Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leonardo Custode
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A. Gow
- Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
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11
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Zorc M, Horvat T, Tanšek A, Ferme T, Dovč P. Selection Signatures Reveal Candidate Genes for the Cornish Rex Breed-Specific Phenotype. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:368. [PMID: 38540427 PMCID: PMC10969784 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Many coat color, behavioral and morphological traits are specific and fixed across cat breeds, with several variants influencing these traits being common among different breeds. In the domestic cat, rexoid mutations have been documented in several breeds. In the Cornish Rex, four bp deletion in the LPAR6 gene has been found to cause a frame shift and a premature stop codon. In addition to the rexoid coat, Cornish Rex cats also have a characteristic head, ear shape and body type. Analysis of the selection signatures in the Cornish Rex genome revealed several regions that are under selective pressure. One of these is located in CFA B4, in the region where the ALX1 gene is located. The ALX1 gene in Burmese cats disrupts the cranial morphogenesis and causes brachycephaly in the heterozygous state. In our study, we confirmed the presence of a deletion in LPAR6 in 20 Cornish Rex and in four F1 hybrids between Cornish Rex and domestic cat. However, we did not confirm the presence of the deletion in ALX1 in Cornish Rex cats. Genome-wide selection signature analysis was performed using ROH islands and integrated haplotype score (iHS) statistics based on publicly available SNP array data of 11 Cornish Rex cats. The selection signatures were detected on chromosomes A1, A3, C2, B1, B4 and D1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter Dovč
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Jamnikarjeva ulica 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.Z.); (T.H.); (A.T.); (T.F.)
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12
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Archer C, McGlone J. Semiochemical 2-Methyl-2-butenal Reduced Signs of Stress in Cats during Transport. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:341. [PMID: 38275804 PMCID: PMC10812570 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Some cats experience stress when they have novel experiences, such as infrequent transport. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study that sought to objectively evaluate the effects of a 2M2B collar on transported cat physiology and behavior. The statistical model included effects of cat treatment (2M2B vs. control), period (70 min), sex, and interactions. Cats wearing 2M2B collars had an 8% lower PR (p < 0.01), and they slept more and did not hide at the back of the kennel. While control cats vomited or showed excess salivation, cats with 2M2B collars did not show these signs of stress. Male cats were less active during transport than females. Male cats slept more with 2M2B collars compared with male cats with a control collar, but females showed similar sleeping overall regardless of which collar they wore. Female cats increased activity during transport when they had a 2M2B collar, while male activity did not differ with control or 2M2B collars. These data support the concept that the semiochemical 2M2B can reduce stress in transported cats based on objective physiological and behavioral measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John McGlone
- Laboratory of Animal Behavior, Physiology and Welfare, Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA;
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13
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Guo S, Yu T, Wang X, Zhao S, Zhao E, Ainierlitu, Ba T, Gan M, Dong C, Naerlima, Yin L, Ke X, Dana D, Guo X. Whole-genome resequencing reveals the uniqueness of Subei yak. J Anim Sci 2024; 102:skae152. [PMID: 38832496 PMCID: PMC11217902 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skae152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Subei yak is an essential local yak in the Gansu Province, which genetic resource has recently been discovered. It is a meat-milk dual-purpose variety with high fecundity and relatively stable population genetic structure. However, its population genetic structure and genetic diversity are yet to be reported. Therefore, this study aimed to identify molecular markers of Subei yak genome by whole-genome resequencing, and to analyze the population structure and genetic diversity of Subei yak. This study screened 12,079,496 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular markers in the 20 Subei yaks genome using whole-genome resequencing technology. Of these SNPs, 32.09% were located in the intronic region of the genome. Principal component analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and population structure analysis revealed that the Subei yak belonged to an independent group in the domestic yak population. A selective clearance analysis was carried out on Subei yak and other domestic yaks, and the genes under positive selection were annotated. The functional enrichment analysis showed that Subei yak possessed prominent selection characteristics in terms of external environment perception, hypoxia adaptation, and muscle development. Furthermore, Subei yak showed excellent muscle fat deposition and meat quality traits. Thus, this study will serve as a reference for discovering population structure, genetic evolution, and other unique traits of Subei yak and for expanding the genetic variation catalog of yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering in Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Tianjun Yu
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering in Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Shuangquan Zhao
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Erjun Zhao
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Ainierlitu
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Teer Ba
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Manyu Gan
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Cunmei Dong
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Naerlima
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Lian Yin
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Xikou Ke
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Dawuti Dana
- Center of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Services in Subei Mongolian Autonomous County of Gansu Province, Subei, 736300, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding Engineering in Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, 730050, China
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14
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Benítez-Burraco A, Uriagereka J, Nataf S. The genomic landscape of mammal domestication might be orchestrated by selected transcription factors regulating brain and craniofacial development. Dev Genes Evol 2023; 233:123-135. [PMID: 37552321 PMCID: PMC10746608 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-023-00709-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Domestication transforms once wild animals into tamed animals that can be then exploited by humans. The process entails modifications in the body, cognition, and behavior that are essentially driven by differences in gene expression patterns. Although genetic and epigenetic mechanisms were shown to underlie such differences, less is known about the role exerted by trans-regulatory molecules, notably transcription factors (TFs) in domestication. In this paper, we conducted extensive in silico analyses aimed to clarify the TF landscape of mammal domestication. We first searched the literature, so as to establish a large list of genes selected with domestication in mammals. From this list, we selected genes experimentally demonstrated to exhibit TF functions. We also considered TFs displaying a statistically significant number of targets among the entire list of (domestication) selected genes. This workflow allowed us to identify 5 candidate TFs (SOX2, KLF4, MITF, NR3C1, NR3C2) that were further assessed in terms of biochemical and functional properties. We found that such TFs-of-interest related to mammal domestication are all significantly involved in the development of the brain and the craniofacial region, as well as the immune response and lipid metabolism. A ranking strategy, essentially based on a survey of protein-protein interactions datasets, allowed us to identify SOX2 as the main candidate TF involved in domestication-associated evolutionary changes. These findings should help to clarify the molecular mechanics of domestication and are of interest for future studies aimed to understand the behavioral and cognitive changes associated to domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
- Área de Lingüística General, Departamento de Lengua Española, Lingüística y Teoría de la Literatura, Facultad de Filología, Universidad de Sevilla, C/ Palos de la Frontera s/n., 41007-, Sevilla, España.
| | - Juan Uriagereka
- Department of Linguistics and School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Serge Nataf
- Stem-cell and Brain Research Institute, 18 avenue de Doyen Lépine, F-69500, Bron, France
- University of Lyon 1, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, F-69100, Villeurbanne, France
- Bank of Tissues and Cells, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Place d'Arsonval, F-69003, Lyon, France
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15
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Bredemeyer KR, Hillier L, Harris AJ, Hughes GM, Foley NM, Lawless C, Carroll RA, Storer JM, Batzer MA, Rice ES, Davis BW, Raudsepp T, O'Brien SJ, Lyons LA, Warren WC, Murphy WJ. Single-haplotype comparative genomics provides insights into lineage-specific structural variation during cat evolution. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1953-1963. [PMID: 37919451 PMCID: PMC10845050 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01548-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The role of structurally dynamic genomic regions in speciation is poorly understood due to challenges inherent in diploid genome assembly. Here we reconstructed the evolutionary dynamics of structural variation in five cat species by phasing the genomes of three interspecies F1 hybrids to generate near-gapless single-haplotype assemblies. We discerned that cat genomes have a paucity of segmental duplications relative to great apes, explaining their remarkable karyotypic stability. X chromosomes were hotspots of structural variation, including enrichment with inversions in a large recombination desert with characteristics of a supergene. The X-linked macrosatellite DXZ4 evolves more rapidly than 99.5% of the genome clarifying its role in felid hybrid incompatibility. Resolved sensory gene repertoires revealed functional copy number changes associated with ecomorphological adaptations, sociality and domestication. This study highlights the value of gapless genomes to reveal structural mechanisms underpinning karyotypic evolution, reproductive isolation and ecological niche adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Bredemeyer
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics & Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - LaDeana Hillier
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew J Harris
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics & Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Graham M Hughes
- School of Biology & Environmental Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nicole M Foley
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Colleen Lawless
- School of Biology & Environmental Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rachel A Carroll
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Mark A Batzer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Edward S Rice
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Brian W Davis
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics & Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics & Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Stephen J O'Brien
- Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Leslie A Lyons
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Wesley C Warren
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
| | - William J Murphy
- Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics & Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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16
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Scott L, Florkiewicz BN. Feline faces: Unraveling the social function of domestic cat facial signals. Behav Processes 2023; 213:104959. [PMID: 37858844 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Lately, there has been a growing interest in studying domestic cat facial signals, but most of this research has centered on signals produced during human-cat interactions or pain. The available research on intraspecific facial signaling with domesticated cats has largely focused on non-affiliative social interactions. However, the transition to intraspecific sociality through domestication could have resulted in a greater reliance on affiliative facial signals that aid with social bonding. Our study aimed to document the various facial signals that cats produce during affiliative and non-affiliative intraspecific interactions. Given the close relationship between the physical form and social function of mammalian facial signals, we predicted that affiliative and non-affiliative facial signals would have noticeable differences in their physical morphology. We observed the behavior of 53 adult domestic shorthair cats at CatCafé Lounge in Los Angeles, CA. Using Facial Action Coding Systems designed for cats, we compared the complexity and compositionality of facial signals produced in affiliative and non-affiliative contexts. To measure complexity and compositionality, we examined the number and types of facial muscle movements (AUs) observed in each signal. We found that compositionality, rather than complexity, was significantly associated with the social function of intraspecific facial signals. Our findings indicate that domestication likely had a significant impact on the development of intraspecific facial signaling repertoires in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Scott
- School of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, KS, USA
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17
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Liu X, Liu W, Lenstra JA, Zheng Z, Wu X, Yang J, Li B, Yang Y, Qiu Q, Liu H, Li K, Liang C, Guo X, Ma X, Abbott RJ, Kang M, Yan P, Liu J. Evolutionary origin of genomic structural variations in domestic yaks. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5617. [PMID: 37726270 PMCID: PMC10509194 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41220-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Yak has been subject to natural selection, human domestication and interspecific introgression during its evolution. However, genetic variants favored by each of these processes have not been distinguished previously. We constructed a graph-genome for 47 genomes of 7 cross-fertile bovine species. This allowed detection of 57,432 high-resolution structural variants (SVs) within and across the species, which were genotyped in 386 individuals. We distinguished the evolutionary origins of diverse SVs in domestic yaks by phylogenetic analyses. We further identified 334 genes overlapping with SVs in domestic yaks that bore potential signals of selection from wild yaks, plus an additional 686 genes introgressed from cattle. Nearly 90% of the domestic yaks were introgressed by cattle. Introgression of an SV spanning the KIT gene triggered the breeding of white domestic yaks. We validated a significant association of the selected stratified SVs with gene expression, which contributes to phenotypic variations. Our results highlight that SVs of different origins contribute to the phenotypic diversity of domestic yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
- Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, 810016, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Johannes A Lenstra
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508 TD, The Netherlands
| | - Zeyu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yongzhi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qiang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Kexin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Xiaoming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Richard J Abbott
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9AJ, UK
| | - Minghui Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Ping Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730050, China.
| | - Jianquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystem, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
- Academy of Plateau Science and Sustainability, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, 810016, China.
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18
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Menger FM, Rizvi SAA. Preassembly Theory Invoking Prehistoric DNA Alterations. WORLD FUTURES 2023; 79:635-646. [DOI: 10.1080/02604027.2023.2226594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
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19
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Koller D, Benítez-Burraco A, Polimanti R. Enrichment of self-domestication and neural crest function loci in the heritability of neurodevelopmental disorders. Hum Genet 2023; 142:1271-1279. [PMID: 36930228 PMCID: PMC10472204 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Self-domestication could contribute to shaping the biology of human brain and consequently the predisposition to neurodevelopmental disorders. Leveraging genome-wide data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, we tested the enrichment of self-domestication and neural crest function loci with respect to the heritability of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia (SCZ in East Asian and European ancestries, EAS and EUR, respectively), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette's syndrome (TS). Considering only self-domestication and neural-crest-function annotations in the linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) model, our partitioned heritability analysis revealed statistically significant enrichments across all disorders investigated. The estimates of the heritability enrichments for self-domestication loci were similar across neurodevelopmental disorders, ranging from 0.902 (EAS SCZ, p = 4.55 × 10-20) to 1.577 (TS, p = 5.85 × 10-5). Conversely, a wider spectrum of heritability enrichment estimates was present for neural crest function with the highest enrichment observed for TS (enrichment = 3.453, p = 2.88 × 10-3) and the lowest for EAS SCZ (enrichment = 1.971, p = 3.81 × 10-3). Although these estimates appear to be strong, the enrichments for self-domestication and neural crest function were null once we included additional annotations related to different genomic features. This indicates that the effect of self-domestication on the polygenic architecture of neurodevelopmental disorders is not independent of other functions of human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Koller
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, VA CT 116A2, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, 41004, Seville, Spain
| | - Renato Polimanti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, VA CT 116A2, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
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20
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Elkin J, Martin A, Courtier-Orgogozo V, Santos ME. Analysis of the genetic loci of pigment pattern evolution in vertebrates. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1250-1277. [PMID: 37017088 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate pigmentation patterns are amongst the best characterised model systems for studying the genetic basis of adaptive evolution. The wealth of available data on the genetic basis for pigmentation evolution allows for analysis of trends and quantitative testing of evolutionary hypotheses. We employed Gephebase, a database of genetic variants associated with natural and domesticated trait variation, to examine trends in how cis-regulatory and coding mutations contribute to vertebrate pigmentation phenotypes, as well as factors that favour one mutation type over the other. We found that studies with lower ascertainment bias identified higher proportions of cis-regulatory mutations, and that cis-regulatory mutations were more common amongst animals harbouring a higher number of pigment cell classes. We classified pigmentation traits firstly according to their physiological basis and secondly according to whether they affect colour or pattern, and identified that carotenoid-based pigmentation and variation in pattern boundaries are preferentially associated with cis-regulatory change. We also classified genes according to their developmental, cellular, and molecular functions. We found a greater proportion of cis-regulatory mutations in genes implicated in upstream developmental processes compared to those involved in downstream cellular functions, and that ligands were associated with a higher proportion of cis-regulatory mutations than their respective receptors. Based on these trends, we discuss future directions for research in vertebrate pigmentation evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Elkin
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, 800 22nd St. NW, Suite 6000, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | | | - M Emília Santos
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
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21
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Dubiner S, Namir I, Chen R, Levin E. Distance from human settlements favors wild-type appearance of feral cats ( Felis catus) in Mediterranean woodland. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10261. [PMID: 37404701 PMCID: PMC10316376 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Camouflage is a common trait enabling animals to avoid detection by predators and prey. Patterns such as spots and stripes are convergent across carnivore families, including felids, and are hypothesized to have adaptive value through camouflage. House cats (Felis catus) were domesticated thousands of years ago, but despite artificial selection for a wide variety of coat colors, the wild-type pattern of tabby cats is very common. We aimed to determine whether this pattern grants an advantage over other morphs in natural environments. We collected cat images taken with camera traps in natural areas near and far from 38 rural settlements in Israel, to compare the habitat use by feral cats of different colors. We tested the effect of proximity to villages and habitat vegetation (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI) on the probability of space use by the tabby morph compared to the others. NDVI had a positive effect on site use in both morphs, but non-tabby cats had a 2.1 higher probability of using the near sites than the far sites, independent of NDVI. The wild-type tabby cats' probability of site use were equally likely to be unaffected by proximity, or have an interaction of proximity with NDVI whereby the far transects are used with increasing probability in sites of denser vegetation. We hypothesize that the camouflage of tabby cats, more than other colors and patterns, confers an advantage in roaming the woodland habitats for which this pattern evolved. This has both theoretical implications as rare empirical evidence of the adaptive value of fur coloration, and practical implications on managing the ecological impact of feral cats worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Itai Namir
- Hamaarag—Israel's National Nature Assessment Program, The Steinhardt Museum of Natural HistoryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Ron Chen
- Hamaarag—Israel's National Nature Assessment Program, The Steinhardt Museum of Natural HistoryTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Eran Levin
- School of ZoologyTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
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22
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Smits M, Joosten H, Faye B, Burger P. Domestication of the Dromedary Revisited and Its Consequences for Legislation as to Keeping Livestock or Pet Animals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2050. [PMID: 37443848 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Being in an advanced stage of domestication is a newly proposed requirement to decide which animals can be safely kept by humans. Dutch legislators were the first to apply it and other European countries may be tempted to adopt a similar approach. Unexpectedly, the Dutch assessors considered the dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) as being insufficiently domesticated and this species will therefore no longer be able to be kept as a production animal from 2024 onwards. In a recent publication on this topic, we showed that the domestication of the dromedary is actually very advanced. In this paper, we apply the same criteria that were used by the Dutch assessors to determine the degree of domestication, taking into account the most recent scientific developments in this area, even though it should be noted that these criteria have neither been peer-reviewed, nor published in an international scientific journal. For the sake of comparison, and in order to validate the procedure, we also applied these criteria to the house cat. The results confirm that the dromedary is highly domesticated, but also that the house cat (Felis silvestris catus) is at most semi-domesticated. Obviously, we agree with the decision of the Dutch legislators to place the house cat on the positive list, but our analysis demonstrates that this was decided on false grounds. Our analysis makes it clear that the requirement of being in an advanced stage of domestication is not suitable. Instead of maintaining this requirement, we recommend implementing evidence-based, peer-reviewed methods to decide which animals can be kept by humans, and to include species specific-guidelines in the legislation on how this can be achieved safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Smits
- European Camel Research Society, Johanniterlaan 7, 6721 XX Bennekom, The Netherlands
| | - Han Joosten
- Microbiologist, Chemin de Crocus 1, 1073 Mollie Margot, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Faye
- UMR SELMET, CIRAD-ES, Campus International de Baillarguet, 34398 Montpellier, France
| | - Pamela Burger
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria
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23
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de Sousa AA, Rigby Dames BA, Graff EC, Mohamedelhassan R, Vassilopoulos T, Charvet CJ. Going beyond established model systems of Alzheimer's disease: companion animals provide novel insights into the neurobiology of aging. Commun Biol 2023; 6:655. [PMID: 37344566 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05034-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by brain plaques, tangles, and cognitive impairment. AD is one of the most common age-related dementias in humans. Progress in characterizing AD and other age-related disorders is hindered by a perceived dearth of animal models that naturally reproduce diseases observed in humans. Mice and nonhuman primates are model systems used to understand human diseases. Still, these model systems lack many of the biological characteristics of Alzheimer-like diseases (e.g., plaques, tangles) as they grow older. In contrast, companion animal models (cats and dogs) age in ways that resemble humans. Both companion animal models and humans show evidence of brain atrophy, plaques, and tangles, as well as cognitive decline with age. We embrace a One Health perspective, which recognizes that the health of humans is connected to those of animals, and we illustrate how such a perspective can work synergistically to enhance human and animal health. A comparative biology perspective is ideally suited to integrate insights across veterinary and human medical disciplines and solve long-standing problems in aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A de Sousa
- Centre for Health and Cognition, Bath Spa University, Bath, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Brier A Rigby Dames
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Emily C Graff
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Tatianna Vassilopoulos
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Christine J Charvet
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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24
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Li M, Li X, Wu Z, Zhang G, Wang N, Dou M, Liu S, Yang C, Meng G, Sun H, Hvilsom C, Xie G, Li Y, Li ZH, Wang W, Jiang Y, Heller R, Wang Y. Convergent molecular evolution of thermogenesis and circadian rhythm in Arctic ruminants. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230538. [PMID: 37253422 PMCID: PMC10229229 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The muskox and reindeer are the only ruminants that have evolved to survive in harsh Arctic environments. However, the genetic basis of this Arctic adaptation remains largely unclear. Here, we compared a de novo assembled muskox genome with reindeer and other ruminant genomes to identify convergent amino acid substitutions, rapidly evolving genes and positively selected genes among the two Arctic ruminants. We found these candidate genes were mainly involved in brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and circadian rhythm. Furthermore, by integrating transcriptomic data from goat adipose tissues (white and brown), we demonstrated that muskox and reindeer may have evolved modulating mitochondrion, lipid metabolism and angiogenesis pathways to enhance BAT thermogenesis. In addition, results from co-immunoprecipitation experiments prove that convergent amino acid substitution of the angiogenesis-related gene hypoxia-inducible factor 2alpha (HIF2A), resulting in weakening of its interaction with prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing protein 2 (PHD2), may increase angiogenesis of BAT. Altogether, our work provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in Arctic adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinmei Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhipei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Nini Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingle Dou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanlin Liu
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Chentao Yang
- BGI Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanliang Meng
- Centre of Taxonomy and Evolutionary Research, Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, 53113 Bonn, Germany
| | - Hailu Sun
- BGI Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Guoxiang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
| | - Rasmus Heller
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, People's Republic of China
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25
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Gleeson BT, Wilson LAB. Shared reproductive disruption, not neural crest or tameness, explains the domestication syndrome. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222464. [PMID: 36946116 PMCID: PMC10031412 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered neural crest cell (NCC) behaviour is an increasingly cited explanation for the domestication syndrome in animals. However, recent authors have questioned this explanation, while others cast doubt on whether domestication syndrome even exists. Here, we review published literature concerning this syndrome and the NCC hypothesis, together with recent critiques of both. We synthesize these contributions and propose a novel interpretation, arguing shared trait changes under ancient domestication resulted primarily from shared disruption of wild reproductive regimes. We detail four primary selective pathways for 'reproductive disruption' under domestication and contrast these succinct and demonstrable mechanisms with cryptic genetic associations posited by the NCC hypothesis. In support of our perspective, we illustrate numerous important ways in which NCCs contribute to vertebrate reproductive phenotypes, and argue it is not surprising that features derived from these cells would be coincidentally altered under major selective regime changes, as occur in domestication. We then illustrate several pertinent examples of Darwin's 'unconscious selection' in action, and compare applied selection and phenotypic responses in each case. Lastly, we explore the ramifications of reproductive disruption for wider evolutionary discourse, including links to wild 'self-domestication' and 'island effect', and discuss outstanding questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Thomas Gleeson
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Laura A B Wilson
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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26
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Mendoza Roldan JA, Otranto D. Zoonotic parasites associated with predation by dogs and cats. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:55. [PMID: 36747243 PMCID: PMC9901148 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05670-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common behaviors of cats that have an indoor/outdoor lifestyle is to bring hunted "gifts" to their owners, represented by small mammals, reptiles and birds. Access to the outdoors by dogs and cats may represent a problematic issue, since they may be at risk of diseases, traffic accidents and ingestion of toxins. Yet, the impact of this population of roaming dogs and cats predating wildlife is another concerning issue that receives less attention. Despite these risks, most owners still prefer to give outdoor access to their pets to allow them to express their "natural instincts," such as hunting. Therefore, with a growing population of > 470 million dogs and 373 million cats worldwide, predation not only represents a threat to wildlife, but also a door of transmission for parasitic diseases, some of them of zoonotic concern. In this review, the role played by dogs, and especially cats, in the perpetuation of the biological life cycle of zoonotic parasites through the predation of rodents, reptiles and birds is discussed. Feral and domestics dogs and cats have contributed to the population collapse or extinction of > 63 species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Although the ecological impact of predation on wild populations is well documented, the zoonotic risk of transmission of parasitic diseases has not received significant attention. The parasitic diseases associated to predation vary from protozoan agents, such as toxoplasmosis, to cestodes like sparganosis and even nematodes such as toxocariasis. Raising awareness about predation as a risk of zoonotic parasitic infections in dogs and cats will aid to create responsible ownership and proper actions for controlling feral and free-roaming cat and dog populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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27
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Lesch R, Kotrschal K, Kitchener AC, Fitch WT, Kotrschal A. The expensive-tissue hypothesis may help explain brain-size reduction during domestication. Commun Integr Biol 2022; 15:190-192. [PMID: 35957842 PMCID: PMC9359384 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2022.2101196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphological traits, such as white patches, floppy ears and curly tails, are ubiquitous in domestic animals and are referred to as the ‘domestication syndrome’. A commonly discussed hypothesis that has the potential to provide a unifying explanation for these traits is the ‘neural crest/domestication syndrome hypothesis’. Although this hypothesis has the potential to explain most traits of the domestication syndrome, it only has an indirect connection to the reduction of brain size, which is a typical trait of domestic animals. We discuss how the expensive-tissue hypothesis might help explain brain-size reduction in domestication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaela Lesch
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University for Veterinary Medicine, Austria
| | - Kurt Kotrschal
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - W. Tecumseh Fitch
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University for Veterinary Medicine, Austria
| | - Alexander Kotrschal
- Behavioural Ecology, Animal Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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28
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Shukla H, Suryamohan K, Khan A, Mohan K, Perumal RC, Mathew OK, Menon R, Dixon MD, Muraleedharan M, Kuriakose B, Michael S, Krishnankutty SP, Zachariah A, Seshagiri S, Ramakrishnan U. Near-chromosomal de novo assembly of Bengal tiger genome reveals genetic hallmarks of apex predation. Gigascience 2022; 12:6963323. [PMID: 36576130 PMCID: PMC9795480 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The tiger, a poster child for conservation, remains an endangered apex predator. Continued survival and recovery will require a comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity and the use of such information for population management. A high-quality tiger genome assembly will be an important tool for conservation genetics, especially for the Indian tiger, the most abundant subspecies in the wild. Here, we present high-quality near-chromosomal genome assemblies of a female and a male wild Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). Our assemblies had a scaffold N50 of >140 Mb, with 19 scaffolds corresponding to the 19 numbered chromosomes, containing 95% of the genome. Our assemblies also enabled detection of longer stretches of runs of homozygosity compared to previous assemblies, which will help improve estimates of genomic inbreeding. Comprehensive genome annotation identified 26,068 protein-coding genes, including several gene families involved in key morphological features such as the teeth, claws, vision, olfaction, taste, and body stripes. We also identified 301 microRNAs, 365 small nucleolar RNAs, 632 transfer RNAs, and other noncoding RNA elements, several of which are predicted to regulate key biological pathways that likely contribute to the tiger's apex predatory traits. We identify signatures of positive selection in the tiger genome that are consistent with the Panthera lineage. Our high-quality genome will enable use of noninvasive samples for comprehensive assessment of genetic diversity, thus supporting effective conservation and management of wild tiger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Krishna Mohan
- Department of Research and Development, AgriGenome Labs Private Ltd, Kochi, Kerala 682030, India
| | - Rajadurai C Perumal
- Department of Research and Development, AgriGenome Labs Private Ltd, Kochi, Kerala 682030, India
| | - Oommen K Mathew
- Department of Research and Development, AgriGenome Labs Private Ltd, Kochi, Kerala 682030, India
| | - Ramesh Menon
- MedGenome Labs Ltd., Narayana Health City, Bangalore, Karnataka 560099, India
| | - Mandumpala Davis Dixon
- Department of Research and Development, AgriGenome Labs Private Ltd, Kochi, Kerala 682030, India
| | - Megha Muraleedharan
- Department of Research and Development, AgriGenome Labs Private Ltd, Kochi, Kerala 682030, India
| | - Boney Kuriakose
- Department of Research and Development, AgriGenome Labs Private Ltd, Kochi, Kerala 682030, India
| | - Saju Michael
- Department of Research and Development, AgriGenome Labs Private Ltd, Kochi, Kerala 682030, India
| | - Sajesh P Krishnankutty
- Department of Research and Development, AgriGenome Labs Private Ltd, Kochi, Kerala 682030, India
| | - Arun Zachariah
- SciGenom Research Foundation, Narayana Health City, Bangalore, Karnataka 560099, India,Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592, India
| | - Somasekar Seshagiri
- Correspondence address. Somasekar Seshagiri, Department of Research and Development SciGenom Research Foundation 3rd Floor, Narayana Nethralaya Building, Narayana Health City, #258/A, Bommasandra, Hosur Road, Bangalore 560099, India. E-mail:
| | - Uma Ramakrishnan
- Correspondence address. Uma Ramakrishnan, National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India. E-mail:
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29
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The Flourishing Camel Milk Market and Concerns about Animal Welfare and Legislation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010047. [PMID: 36611656 PMCID: PMC9817819 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide dromedary milk production has increased sharply since the beginning of this century due to prolonged shelf life, improved food-safety and perceived health benefits. Scientific confirmation of health claims will expand the market of dromedary milk further. As a result, more and more dromedaries will be bred for one purpose only: the highest possible milk production. However, intensive dromedary farming systems have consequences for animal welfare and may lead to genetic changes. Tighter regulations will be implemented to restrict commercialization of raw milk. Protocols controlling welfare of dromedaries and gene databases of milk-dromedaries will prevent negative consequences of intensive farming. In countries where dromedaries have only recently been introduced as production animal, legislators have limited expertise on this species. This is exemplified by an assessment on behalf of the Dutch government, recommending prohibiting keeping this species from 2024 onwards because the dromedary was deemed to be insufficiently domesticated. Implementation of this recommendation in Dutch law would have devastating effects on existing dromedary farms and could also pave the way for adopting similar measures in other European countries. In this paper it is shown that the Dutch assessment lacks scientific rigor. Awareness of breeders and legislators for the increasing knowledge about dromedaries and their products would strengthen the position of dromedaries as one of the most adapted and sustainable animals.
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30
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Bursell MG, Dikow RB, Figueiró HV, Dudchenko O, Flanagan JP, Aiden EL, Goossens B, Nathan SK, Johnson WE, Koepfli KP, Frandsen PB. Whole genome analysis of clouded leopard species reveals an ancient divergence and distinct demographic histories. iScience 2022; 25:105647. [PMID: 36590460 PMCID: PMC9801239 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to other apex predator species, populations of mainland (Neofelis nebulosa) and Sunda (Neofelis diardi) clouded leopards are declining. Understanding their patterns of genetic variation can provide critical insights on past genetic erosion and a baseline for understanding their long-term conservation needs. As a step toward this goal, we present draft genome assemblies for the two clouded leopard species to quantify their phylogenetic divergence, genome-wide diversity, and historical population trends. We estimate that the two species diverged 5.1 Mya, much earlier than previous estimates of 1.41 Mya and 2.86 Mya, suggesting they separated when Sundaland was becoming increasingly isolated from mainland Southeast Asia. The Sunda clouded leopard displays a distinct and reduced effective population size trajectory, consistent with a lower genome-wide heterozygosity and SNP density, relative to the mainland clouded leopard. Our results provide new insights into the evolutionary history and genetic health of this unique lineage of felids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline G. Bursell
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA,Data Science Lab, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Rebecca B. Dikow
- Data Science Lab, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Henrique V. Figueiró
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Olga Dudchenko
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Erez Lieberman Aiden
- The Center for Genome Architecture, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA,Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA,UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia,Departments of Computer Science and Computational and Applied Mathematics, Rice University,Houston, TX, USA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Benoit Goossens
- Sabah Wildlife Department, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia,Organisms and Environment Division, Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK,Danau Girang Field Centre, c/o Sabah Wildlife Department, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | | | - Warren E. Johnson
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA,The Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, Museum Support Center MRC-534, Smithsonian Institution, Suitland, MD, USA,Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA,Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Klaus-Peter Koepfli
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA,Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, George Mason University, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Paul B. Frandsen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA,Data Science Lab, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA,Corresponding author
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31
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Obayashi T, Kodate S, Hibara H, Kagaya Y, Kinoshita K. COXPRESdb v8: an animal gene coexpression database navigating from a global view to detailed investigations. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 51:D80-D87. [PMID: 36350658 PMCID: PMC9825429 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene coexpression is synchronization of gene expression across many cellular and environmental conditions and is widely used to infer the biological function of genes. Gene coexpression information is complex, comprising a complete graph of all genes in the genome, and requires appropriate visualization and analysis tools. Since its initial release in 2007, the animal gene expression database COXPRESdb (https://coxpresdb.jp) has been continuously improved by adding new gene coexpression data and analysis tools. Here, we report COXPRESdb version 8, which has been enhanced with new features for an overview, summary, and individual examination of coexpression relationships: CoexMap to display coexpression on a genome scale, pathway enrichment analysis to summarize the function of coexpressed genes, and CoexPub to bridges coexpression and existing knowledge. COXPRESdb also facilitates downstream analyses such as interspecies comparisons by integrating RNAseq and microarray coexpression data in a union-type gene coexpression. COXPRESdb strongly support users with the new coexpression data and enhanced functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Obayashi
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +81 22 795 4741; Fax: +81 22 795 4765;
| | - Shun Kodate
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan
| | - Himiko Hibara
- Graduate School of Information Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3-09, Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8679, Japan
| | - Yuki Kagaya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Zhang X, Jamwal K, Distl O. Tracking footprints of artificial and natural selection signatures in breeding and non-breeding cats. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18061. [PMID: 36302822 PMCID: PMC9613910 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Stray non-breeding cats (stray) represent the largest heterogeneous cat population subject to natural selection, while populations of the Siamese (SIAM) and Oriental Shorthair (OSH) breeds developed through intensive artificial selection for aesthetic traits. Runs of homozygosity (ROH) and demographic measures are useful tools to discover chromosomal regions of recent selection and to characterize genetic diversity in domestic cat populations. To achieve this, we genotyped 150 stray and 26 household non-breeding cats (household) on the Illumina feline 63 K SNP BeadChip and compared them to SIAM and OSH. The 50% decay value of squared correlation coefficients (r2) in stray (0.23), household (0.25), OSH (0.24) and SIAM (0.25) corresponded to a mean marker distance of 1.12 Kb, 4.55 Kb, 62.50 Kb and 175.07 Kb, respectively. The effective population size (Ne) decreased in the current generation to 55 in stray, 11 in household, 9 in OSH and 7 in SIAM. In the recent generation, the increase in inbreeding per generation (ΔF) reached its maximum values of 0.0090, 0.0443, 0.0561 and 0.0710 in stray, household, OSH and SIAM, respectively. The genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) based on ROH was calculated for three length categories. The FROH was between 0.014 (FROH60) and 0.020 (FROH5) for stray, between 0.018 (FROH60) and 0.024 (FROH5) for household, between 0.048 (FROH60) and 0.069 (FROH5) for OSH and between 0.053 (FROH60) and 0.073 (FROH5) for SIAM. We identified nine unique selective regions for stray through genome-wide analyses for regions with reduced heterozygosity based on FST statistics. Genes in these regions have previously been associated with reproduction (BUB1B), motor/neurological behavior (GPHN, GABRB3), cold-induced thermogenesis (DIO2, TSHR), immune system development (TSHR), viral carcinogenesis (GTF2A1), host immune response against bacteria, viruses, chemoattractant and cancer cells (PLCB2, BAHD1, TIGAR), and lifespan and aging (BUB1B, FGF23). In addition, we identified twelve unique selective regions for OSH containing candidate genes for a wide range of coat colors and patterns (ADAMTS20, KITLG, TYR, TYRO3-a MITF regulator, GPNMB, FGF7, RAB38) as well as congenital heart defects (PDE4D, PKP2) and gastrointestinal disorders (NLGN1, ALDH1B1). Genes in stray that represent unique selective events indicate, at least in part, natural selection for environmental adaptation and resistance to infectious disease, and should be the subject of future research. Stray cats represent an important genetic resource and have the potential to become a research model for disease resistance and longevity, which is why we recommend preserving semen before neutering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuying Zhang
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kokila Jamwal
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ottmar Distl
- grid.412970.90000 0001 0126 6191Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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33
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Ludwig L, Dobromylskyj M, Wood GA, van der Weyden L. Feline Oncogenomics: What Do We Know about the Genetics of Cancer in Domestic Cats? Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9100547. [PMID: 36288160 PMCID: PMC9609674 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9100547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is a significant cause of suffering and death in domestic cats. In humans, an understanding of the genetics of different types of cancers has become clinically important for all aspects of patient care and forms the basis for most emerging diagnostics and therapies. The field of ‘oncogenomics’ characterises the alterations of cancer-associated genes that are found in tumours. Such a thorough understanding of the oncogenome of human tumours has only been possible due to a high-quality reference genome and an understanding of the genetic variation that can exist between people. Although a high-quality reference genome for cats has only recently been generated, investigations into understanding the genetics of feline cancers have been underway for many years, using a range of different technologies. This review summarises what is currently known of the genetics of both common and rare types of cancer in domestic cats. Drawing attention to our current understanding of the feline oncogenome will hopefully bring this topic into focus and serve as a springboard for more much-needed research into the genetics of cancer in domestic cats. Abstract Cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in domestic cats. In humans, an understanding of the oncogenome of different cancer types has proven critical and is deeply interwoven into all aspects of patient care, including diagnostics, prognostics and treatments through the application of targeted therapies. Investigations into understanding the genetics of feline cancers started with cytogenetics and was then expanded to studies at a gene-specific level, looking for mutations and expression level changes of genes that are commonly mutated in human cancers. Methylation studies have also been performed and together with a recently generated high-quality reference genome for cats, next-generation sequencing studies are starting to deliver results. This review summarises what is currently known of the genetics of both common and rare cancer types in cats, including lymphomas, mammary tumours, squamous cell carcinomas, soft tissue tumours, mast cell tumours, haemangiosarcomas, pulmonary carcinomas, pancreatic carcinomas and osteosarcomas. Shining a spotlight on our current understanding of the feline oncogenome will hopefully serve as a springboard for more much-needed research into the genetics of cancer in domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latasha Ludwig
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | - Geoffrey A. Wood
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Louise van der Weyden
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
- Correspondence:
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A unique Toxoplasma gondii haplotype accompanied the global expansion of cats. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5778. [PMID: 36182919 PMCID: PMC9526699 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cyst-forming apicomplexan parasite of virtually all warm-blooded species, with all true cats (Felidae) as definitive hosts. It is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease causing substantial public health burden worldwide. Few intercontinental clonal lineages represent the large majority of isolates worldwide. Little is known about the evolutionary forces driving the success of these lineages, the timing and the mechanisms of their global dispersal. In this study, we analyse a set of 156 genomes and we provide estimates of T. gondii mutation rate and generation time. We elucidate how the evolution of T. gondii populations is intimately linked to the major events that have punctuated the recent history of cats. We show that a unique haplotype, whose length represents only 0.16% of the whole T. gondii genome, is common to all intercontinental lineages and hybrid populations derived from these lineages. This haplotype has accompanied wildcats (Felis silvestris) during their emergence from the wild to domestic settlements, their dispersal in the Old World, and their expansion in the last five centuries to the Americas. The selection of this haplotype is most parsimoniously explained by its role in sexual reproduction of T. gondii in domestic cats.
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35
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Liu M, Yu C, Zhang Z, Song M, Sun X, Piálek J, Jacob J, Lu J, Cong L, Zhang H, Wang Y, Li G, Feng Z, Du Z, Wang M, Wan X, Wang D, Wang YL, Li H, Wang Z, Zhang B, Zhang Z. Whole-genome sequencing reveals the genetic mechanisms of domestication in classical inbred mice. Genome Biol 2022; 23:203. [PMID: 36163035 PMCID: PMC9511766 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02772-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The laboratory mouse was domesticated from the wild house mouse. Understanding the genetics underlying domestication in laboratory mice, especially in the widely used classical inbred mice, is vital for studies using mouse models. However, the genetic mechanism of laboratory mouse domestication remains unknown due to lack of adequate genomic sequences of wild mice. Results We analyze the genetic relationships by whole-genome resequencing of 36 wild mice and 36 inbred strains. All classical inbred mice cluster together distinctly from wild and wild-derived inbred mice. Using nucleotide diversity analysis, Fst, and XP-CLR, we identify 339 positively selected genes that are closely associated with nervous system function. Approximately one third of these positively selected genes are highly expressed in brain tissues, and genetic mouse models of 125 genes in the positively selected genes exhibit abnormal behavioral or nervous system phenotypes. These positively selected genes show a higher ratio of differential expression between wild and classical inbred mice compared with all genes, especially in the hippocampus and frontal lobe. Using a mutant mouse model, we find that the SNP rs27900929 (T>C) in gene Astn2 significantly reduces the tameness of mice and modifies the ratio of the two Astn2 (a/b) isoforms. Conclusion Our study indicates that classical inbred mice experienced high selection pressure during domestication under laboratory conditions. The analysis shows the positively selected genes are closely associated with behavior and the nervous system in mice. Tameness may be related to the Astn2 mutation and regulated by the ratio of the two Astn2 (a/b) isoforms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-022-02772-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,International Society of Zoological Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caixia Yu
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.,National Genomics Data Center, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Zhang
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, China.,Glbizzia Biosciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjing Song
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuping Sun
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jaroslav Piálek
- House Mouse Group, Research Facility Studenec, Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jens Jacob
- Julius Kühn-Institute, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Plant Protection in Horticulture and Forests / Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics, Münster, Germany
| | - Jiqi Lu
- School of Life Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lin Cong
- Institute of Plant Protection, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Hongmao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guoliang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Feng
- Plant Protection Research Institute Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhenglin Du
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.,National Genomics Data Center, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Xinru Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Bing Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,International Society of Zoological Sciences, Beijing, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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36
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Etherington GJ, Ciezarek A, Shaw R, Michaux J, Croose E, Haerty W, Di Palma F. Extensive genome introgression between domestic ferret and European polecat during population recovery in Great Britain. J Hered 2022; 113:500-515. [PMID: 35932226 PMCID: PMC9584812 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The European polecat (Mustela putorius) is a mammalian predator which occurs across much of Europe east to the Ural Mountains. In Great Britain, following years of persecution the range of the European polecat contracted and by the early 1900s was restricted to unmanaged forests of central Wales. The European polecat has recently undergone a population increase due to legal protection and its range now overlaps that of feral domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo). During this range expansion, European polecats hybridized with feral domestic ferrets producing viable offspring. Here, we carry out population-level whole-genome sequencing on 8 domestic ferrets, 19 British European polecats, and 15 European polecats from the European mainland. We used a range of population genomics methods to examine the data, including phylogenetics, phylogenetic graphs, model-based clustering, phylogenetic invariants, ABBA-BABA tests, topology weighting, and Fst. We found high degrees of genome introgression in British polecats outside their previous stronghold, even in those individuals phenotyped as “pure” polecats. These polecats ranged from presumed F1 hybrids (gamma = 0.53) to individuals that were much less introgressed (gamma = 0.2). We quantify this introgression and find introgressed genes containing Fst outliers associated with cognitive function and sight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Ciezarek
- The Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Rebecca Shaw
- The Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Johan Michaux
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | - Federica Di Palma
- The Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Genome British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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37
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Rupasinghe R, Smith WA, Harvey DJ, Wickramasinghe S, Rajapaksha E. Response of adult domestic cats in Sri Lanka to Acalypha indica root embedded toys and the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in olfactory receptor genes on the elicited behavior. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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38
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Anderson H, Davison S, Lytle KM, Honkanen L, Freyer J, Mathlin J, Kyöstilä K, Inman L, Louviere A, Chodroff Foran R, Forman OP, Lohi H, Donner J. Genetic epidemiology of blood type, disease and trait variants, and genome-wide genetic diversity in over 11,000 domestic cats. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1009804. [PMID: 35709088 PMCID: PMC9202916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the largest DNA-based study of domestic cats to date, 11,036 individuals (10,419 pedigreed cats and 617 non-pedigreed cats) were genotyped via commercial panel testing elucidating the distribution and frequency of known disease, blood type, and physical trait associated genetic variants across cat breeds. This study provides allele frequencies for many disease-associated variants for the first time and provides updates on previously reported information with evidence suggesting that DNA testing has been effectively used to reduce disease associated variants within certain pedigreed cat populations over time. We identified 13 disease-associated variants in 47 breeds or breed types in which the variant had not previously been documented, highlighting the relevance of comprehensive genetic screening across breeds. Three disease-associated variants were discovered in non-pedigreed cats only. To investigate the causality of nine disease-associated variants in cats of different breed backgrounds our veterinarians conducted owner interviews, reviewed clinical records, and invited cats to have follow-up clinical examinations. Additionally, genetic variants determining blood types A, B and AB, which are relevant clinically and in cat breeding, were genotyped. Appearance-associated genetic variation in all cats is also discussed. Lastly, genome-wide SNP heterozygosity levels were calculated to obtain a comparable measure of the genetic diversity in different cat breeds. This study represents the first comprehensive exploration of informative Mendelian variants in felines by screening over 10,000 pedigreed cats. The results qualitatively contribute to the understanding of feline variant heritage and genetic diversity and demonstrate the clinical utility and importance of such information in supporting breeding programs and the research community. The work also highlights the crucial commitment of pedigreed cat breeders and registries in supporting the establishment of large genomic databases, that when combined with phenotype information can advance scientific understanding and provide insights that can be applied to improve the health and welfare of cats. Domestic cats are one of the world’s most popular companion animals, of which pedigreed cats represent small unique subpopulations. Genetic research on pedigreed cats has facilitated discoveries of heritable conditions resulting in the availability of DNA testing for studying and managing inherited disorders and traits in specific cat breeds. We have explored an extensive study cohort of 11,036 domestic cat samples representing pedigreed cats of 90 breeds and breed types. This work provided insight into the heritage of feline disease and trait alleles. We gained knowledge on the most common and relevant genetic markers for inherited disorders and physical traits, and the genetic determinants of the clinically relevant AB blood group system. We also used a measure of genetic diversity to compare inbreeding levels within and between breeds. This information can help support sustainable breeding goals within the cat fancy. Direct-to-consumer genetic tests help to raise awareness of various inherited single gene conditions in cats and provide information that owners can share with their veterinarians. In due course, ventures of this type will enable the genetics of common complex feline disease to be deciphered, paving the way for precision healthcare with the potential to ultimately improve welfare for all cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Anderson
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephen Davison
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Katherine M. Lytle
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Leena Honkanen
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jamie Freyer
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Julia Mathlin
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kaisa Kyöstilä
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Inman
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Annette Louviere
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Chodroff Foran
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Oliver P. Forman
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Hannes Lohi
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jonas Donner
- Wisdom Panel Research Team, Wisdom Panel, Kinship, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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Khalkhali-Evrigh R, Hedayat N, Ming L, Jirimutu. Identification of selection signatures in Iranian dromedary and Bactrian camels using whole genome sequencing data. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9653. [PMID: 35688969 PMCID: PMC9187634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14376-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Old World camels play an important role as one of the main food sources in large parts of Asia and Africa. Natural selection combined with artificial selection by human has affected parts of the domestic animal genome for adapting them to their habitats and meeting human needs. Here, we used whole genome sequencing data of 34 camels (including 14 dromedaries and 20 Bactrian camels) to identify the genomic signature of selection in the Iranian dromedary (ID) and Bactrian camels (IB). To detect the mentioned regions, we used two methods including population differentiation index (Fst) and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) with 50 kb sliding window and 25 kb step size. Based on gene ontology analysis on the candidate genes identified for IB camels, we found GO terms associated with lung development, nervous system development, immune system and behavior. Also, we identified several genes related to body thermoregulation (ZNF516), meat quality (ANK1 and HSPA13), and high-altitude adaptation (OPA1) for IB camels. In the list of detected candidate genes under selection in ID camels, the genes related to energy metabolism (BDH1), reproduction (DLG1, IMMP2L and FRASI), long-term memory (GRIA1), kidney (SLC12A1), lung development (EMILIN2 and FBN1) and immunity (SOCS2, JAK1, NRROS and SENP1) were found. Our findings, along with further studies in this field, will strengthen our knowledge about the effect of selection on the camelid genome under different geographical, climatic and even cultural conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Khalkhali-Evrigh
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Recourses, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Nemat Hedayat
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Recourses, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Liang Ming
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Huhhot, China
| | - Jirimutu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Huhhot, China
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40
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Feighelstein M, Shimshoni I, Finka LR, Luna SPL, Mills DS, Zamansky A. Automated recognition of pain in cats. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9575. [PMID: 35688852 PMCID: PMC9187730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial expressions in non-human animals are closely linked to their internal affective states, with the majority of empirical work focusing on facial shape changes associated with pain. However, existing tools for facial expression analysis are prone to human subjectivity and bias, and in many cases also require special expertise and training. This paper presents the first comparative study of two different paths towards automatizing pain recognition in facial images of domestic short haired cats (n = 29), captured during ovariohysterectomy at different time points corresponding to varying intensities of pain. One approach is based on convolutional neural networks (ResNet50), while the other-on machine learning models based on geometric landmarks analysis inspired by species specific Facial Action Coding Systems (i.e. catFACS). Both types of approaches reach comparable accuracy of above 72%, indicating their potential usefulness as a basis for automating cat pain detection from images.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilan Shimshoni
- Information Systems Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lauren R Finka
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stelio P L Luna
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Mills
- School of Life Sciences, Joseph Bank Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - Anna Zamansky
- Information Systems Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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41
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Górska A, Drobik-Czwarno W, Górska A, Bryś J. Genetic Determination of the Amount of White Spotting: A Case Study in Siberian Cats. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061006. [PMID: 35741768 PMCID: PMC9223243 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The current hypothesis, along with the opinion of the breeders, is that a cat with two copies of the white spotting allele (SS) has white on more than half of its body, while a cat with only one copy (Ss) has white on less than half of its body. The present study was based on the analysis of two large pedigree databases of Siberian cats (23,905 individuals in PawPeds and 21,650 individuals in Felis Polonia database). The distribution of the amount of white spotting in the offspring of cats with different amounts of white was investigated. Significant differences compared to expected distributions were observed. In many cases the amount of white in cats that were supposed to be homozygous was less than 50% of the body, while in many supposedly heterozygous cats a very large amount of white (over 50%) was observed. This phenomenon was also presented on the verified examples of the specific families excluding possible errors in determining the amount of white by the breeder. The collected evidence suggests that there are other factors involved in the inheritance of the amount of white in cats and the current hypothesis should be revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Górska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska St. 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Wioleta Drobik-Czwarno
- Department of Animal Genetics and Conservation, Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska St. 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Agata Górska
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska St. 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.B.)
| | - Joanna Bryś
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska St. 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.B.)
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42
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Anastasiadi D, Piferrer F, Wellenreuther M, Benítez Burraco A. Fish as Model Systems to Study Epigenetic Drivers in Human Self-Domestication and Neurodevelopmental Cognitive Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13060987. [PMID: 35741749 PMCID: PMC9222608 DOI: 10.3390/genes13060987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern humans exhibit phenotypic traits and molecular events shared with other domesticates that are thought to be by-products of selection for reduced aggression. This is the human self-domestication hypothesis. As one of the first types of responses to a novel environment, epigenetic changes may have also facilitated early self-domestication in humans. Here, we argue that fish species, which have been recently domesticated, can provide model systems to study epigenetic drivers in human self-domestication. To test this, we used in silico approaches to compare genes with epigenetic changes in early domesticates of European sea bass with genes exhibiting methylation changes in anatomically modern humans (comparison 1), and neurodevelopmental cognitive disorders considered to exhibit abnormal self-domestication traits, i.e., schizophrenia, Williams syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders (comparison 2). Overlapping genes in comparison 1 were involved in processes like limb morphogenesis and phenotypes like abnormal jaw morphology and hypopigmentation. Overlapping genes in comparison 2 affected paralogue genes involved in processes such as neural crest differentiation and ectoderm differentiation. These findings pave the way for future studies using fish species as models to investigate epigenetic changes as drivers of human self-domestication and as triggers of cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafni Anastasiadi
- Seafood Technologies, The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, Nelson 7010, New Zealand;
- Correspondence:
| | - Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Maren Wellenreuther
- Seafood Technologies, The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research, Nelson 7010, New Zealand;
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Antonio Benítez Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain;
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Azzouzi N, Guillory AS, Chaudieu G, Galibert F. Dog olfactory receptor gene expression profiling using samples derived from nasal epithelium brushing. Canine Med Genet 2022; 9:7. [PMID: 35596227 PMCID: PMC9121576 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-022-00116-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs have an exquisite sense of olfaction. In many instances this ability has been utilized by humans for a wide range of important situations including detecting explosives and illegal drugs. It is accepted that some breeds have better senses of smell than others. Dogs can detect many volatile compounds at extremely low concentrations in air. To achieve such high levels of detection, the canine olfactory system is both complex and highly developed requiring a high density of olfactory receptors capable of detecting volatiles. Consequently the dog genome encodes a large number of olfactory receptor (OR) genes. However, it remains unclear as to what extent are all of these OR genes expressed on the cell surface. To facilitate such studies, a nasal brushing method was developed to recover dog nasal epithelial cell samples from which total RNA could be extracted and used to prepare high quality cDNA libraries. After capture by hybridization with an extensive set of oligonucleotides, the level of expression of each transcript was measured following next generation sequencing (NGS). The reproducibility of this sampling approach was checked by analyzing replicate samples from the same animal (up to 6 per each naris). The quality of the hybridization capture was also checked by analyzing two DNA libraries; this offered an advantage over RNA libraries by having an equal presence for each gene. Finally, we compared this brushing method performed on living dogs to a nasal epithelium biopsy approach applied to two euthanized terminally ill dogs, following consent from their owners. Comparison the expression levels of each transcript indicate that the ratios of expression between the highest and the least expressed OR in each sample are greater than 10,000 (paralog variation). Furthermore, it was clear that a number of OR genes are not expressed. The method developed and described here will allow researchers to further address whether variations observed in the OR transcriptome relate to dog ‘life experiences’ and whether any differences observed between samples are dog-specific or breed-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoual Azzouzi
- UMR6290 IGDR (Institut de Génétique Et Développement de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Guillory
- UMR6290 IGDR (Institut de Génétique Et Développement de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Gilles Chaudieu
- Clinique Vétérinaire Pole Santé Chanturgue, 63100, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Francis Galibert
- UMR6290 IGDR (Institut de Génétique Et Développement de Rennes), Université de Rennes 1, CNRS, 35000, Rennes, France.
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Group Reunion in Zoo European Wildcats Using Cat Appeasing Pheromone (CAP) and Gradual Release of the Animals in the Exhibit—A Case Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101302. [PMID: 35625148 PMCID: PMC9137903 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The present paper is, to our knowledge, the first study that documents the behavioural responses of a group of wildcats kept in a controlled environment upon reunion with one previous member of the social group, a female wildcat, after a long time of separation. The reunion process was gradual, and CAP pheromones were used to minimise agonistic behaviour and to increase the probability of the acceptance of the female. In the first days after the reunion, there was an increase in species-specific behaviours and a reduction in aggressive interactions, but the aggression threshold appeared to lower again after one month, with the behavioural patterns of the late-reunion periods resembling those of the pre-reunion period. Abstract The union or reunion of animals with social groups can be a challenging situation, and little has been published about it when solitary species are concerned. Therefore, the aim of the present study was two-fold: (1) to advocate the need for systematic publications about strategies and the outcomes of reunion episodes in zoos and other facilities; and (2) to describe the behaviour of European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) during one such episode, in which a female cat was reintroduced into her family social group using a gradual reunion procedure and cat appeasing pheromone (CAP) (spot-on). The study comprised three periods: the pre-reunion period (10 days, 20 sessions per wildcat), the post-reunion period (A, 5 days, 10 sessions per wildcat; B, 5 days, 10 sessions per wildcat) and the late-reunion period (5 days, 10 sessions per wildcat). In the post-reunion periods, all wildcats were together in the enclosure and were spotted with CAP pheromone. Per period, we collected data on individual and social behaviours. Individual behaviours, such as attention and self-grooming, were performed more in the pre-reunion than in the post-reunion period. Regarding social behaviours, we found that agonistic behaviours were performed more in the pre-reunion than in the post-reunion period. We observed behavioural changes over the course of the study, with behavioural patterns of the late-reunion periods resembling those of the pre-reunion period.
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Genetic diversity and population structure of six autochthonous pig breeds from Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. Genet Sel Evol 2022; 54:30. [PMID: 35484510 PMCID: PMC9052598 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-022-00718-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of local breeds as genetic reservoirs of valuable genetic variation is well established. Pig breeding in Central and South-Eastern Europe has a long tradition that led to the formation of several local pig breeds. In the present study, genetic diversity parameters were analysed in six autochthonous pig breeds from Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia (Banija spotted, Black Slavonian, Turopolje pig, Swallow-bellied Mangalitsa, Moravka and Krskopolje pig). Animals from each of these breeds were genotyped using microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The results obtained with these two marker systems and those based on pedigree data were compared. In addition, we estimated inbreeding levels based on the distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) and identified genomic regions under selection pressure using ROH islands and the integrated haplotype score (iHS). RESULTS The lowest heterozygosity values calculated from microsatellite and SNP data were observed in the Turopolje pig. The observed heterozygosity was higher than the expected heterozygosity in the Black Slavonian, Moravka and Turopolje pig. Both types of markers allowed us to distinguish clusters of individuals belonging to each breed. The analysis of admixture between breeds revealed potential gene flow between the Mangalitsa and Moravka, and between the Mangalitsa and Black Slavonian, but no introgression events were detected in the Banija spotted and Turopolje pig. The distribution of ROH across the genome was not uniform. Analysis of the ROH islands identified genomic regions with an extremely high frequency of shared ROH within the Swallow-bellied Mangalitsa, which harboured genes associated with cholesterol biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism and daily weight gain. The iHS approach to detect signatures of selection revealed candidate regions containing genes with potential roles in reproduction traits and disease resistance. CONCLUSIONS Based on the estimation of population parameters obtained from three data sets, we showed the existence of relationships among the six pig breeds analysed here. Analysis of the distribution of ROH allowed us to estimate the level of inbreeding and the extent of homozygous regions in these breeds. The iHS analysis revealed genomic regions potentially associated with phenotypic traits and allowed the detection of genomic regions under selection pressure.
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Cross Species Analysis and Comparison of Tumors in Dogs and Cats, by Age, Sex, Topography and Main Morphologies. Data from Vet-OncoNet. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9040167. [PMID: 35448665 PMCID: PMC9025902 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9040167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The animal cancer burden is essential for the translational value of companion animals in comparative oncology. The present work aims to describe, analyze, and compare frequencies and associations of tumors in dogs and cats based on the Animal Cancer Registry created by Vet-OncoNet. With 9079 registries, regarding 2019 and 2020, 81% (n = 7355) belonged to dogs. In comparison, cats have a general one-year right advance in the mean age of cancer diagnosis compared to dogs. The multivariate topography group analysis shows a distinct pattern between the two species: dogs have higher odds of cancer in the genito-urinary system, spleen, soft tissue tumors and skin, while cats show higher odds for tumors in the eyes, digestive organs, nasal cavity, lymph nodes, bones and mammary glands. Regarding morphologies, dogs are overrepresented in mast cell tumors (MCT), melanomas, and hemangiosarcomas. While cats are overrepresented in fibrosarcomas, lymphomas (T and B-cell), in malignant mammary tumors, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Females have greater odds only in the mammary gland, with males having greater odds in six of twelve topographies. This study is the first outcome of continuous animal cancer registration studies in Portugal.
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Brackett NF, Davis BW, Adli M, Pomés A, Chapman MD. Evolutionary Biology and Gene Editing of Cat Allergen, Fel d 1. CRISPR J 2022; 5:213-223. [PMID: 35343817 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergy to domestic cat affects up to 15% of the population, and sensitization to cat allergen is associated with asthma. Despite the pervasiveness of cat allergic disease, current treatments have limited impact. Here, we present a bioinformatics analysis of the major cat allergen, Fel d 1, and demonstrate proof of principle for CRISPR gene editing of the allergen. Sequence and structural analyses of Fel d 1 from 50 domestic cats identified conserved coding regions in genes CH1 and CH2 suitable for CRISPR editing. Comparative analyses of Fel d 1 and orthologous sequences from eight exotic felid species determined relatively low-sequence identities for CH1 and CH2, and implied that the allergen may be nonessential for cats, given the apparent lack of evolutionary conservation. In vitro knockouts of domestic cat Fel d 1 using CRISPR-Cas9 yielded editing efficiencies of up to 55% and found no evidence of editing at predicted potential off-target sites. Taken together, our data indicate that Fel d 1 is both a rational and viable candidate for gene deletion, which may profoundly benefit cat allergy sufferers by removing the major allergen at the source.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian W Davis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Mazhar Adli
- Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Rubio AO, Summers K. Neural crest cell genes and the domestication syndrome: A comparative analysis of selection. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263830. [PMID: 35148331 PMCID: PMC8836321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cell genes control the migration of neural crest cells to multiple parts of developing vertebrate embryos. A recent hypothesis posits that the "domestication syndrome" characteristic of domesticated animals is driven by selection for tameness acting on neural crest cell genes, particularly those affecting cell migration. This is posited to explain why this syndrome involves many disparate phenotypic effects. These effects can be connected to deficits in neural crest cell migration. This hypothesis predicts that patterns of selection on these neural crest cell genes will differ between domesticated species and related wild species. Specifically, it predicts higher levels of positive selection on these genes in domesticated species, relative to closely related wild species. Here we test this prediction in a comparative framework. We obtained DNA sequences from a public database (NCBI) for eleven key neural crest cell genes from a set of thirty domesticated vertebrates and matched close relatives that remain wild. We used the program Contrast-FEL in the software suite HyPhy to compare the number of sites under positive selection (as measured by non-synonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitution rates across codons) between these two types of taxa in a phylogenetic framework. We found that domesticated lineages showed a consistently higher level of positive selection on these key genes, relative to their closely related wild counterparts. In addition, we found support for relaxation of selection and purifying selection. We argue that this result is consistent with an important role for these genes in the domestication syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew O. Rubio
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
| | - Kyle Summers
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States of America
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Conspecific and Human Sociality in the Domestic Cat: Consideration of Proximate Mechanisms, Human Selection and Implications for Cat Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030298. [PMID: 35158622 PMCID: PMC8833732 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sociality can be broadly defined as the ability and tendency of individuals to reside in social groups with either conspecifics and/or other species. More specifically, sociability relates to the ability and tendency of individuals to display affiliative behaviours in such contexts. The domestic cat is one of the most globally popular companion animals and occupies a diverse range of lifestyles. Despite an arguably short period of domestication from an asocial progenitor, the domestic cat demonstrates an impressive capacity for both intra- and interspecific sociality and sociability. At the same time, however, large populations of domestic cats maintain various degrees of behavioural and reproductive autonomy and are capable of occupying solitary lifestyles away from humans and/or conspecifics. Within social groups, individuals can also vary in their tendency to engage in both affiliative and agonistic interactions, and this interindividual variation is present within free-living populations as well as those managed in confined environments by humans. Considerable scientific enquiry has focused on cats’ social behaviour towards humans (and conspecifics to a much lesser extent) in this latter context. Ontogeny and human selection, in addition to a range of proximate factors including social and environmental parameters and individual cat and human characteristics, have been highlighted as important moderators of cats’ sociability. Such factors may have important consequences regarding individuals’ adaptability to the diverse range of lifestyles that they may occupy. Where limitations to individuals’ social capacities do not enable sufficient adaption, compromises to their wellbeing may occur. This is most pertinent for cats managed by humans, given that the physical and social parameters of the cats’ environment are primarily dictated by people, but that positive human-selection for traits that enhance cats’ adaptability to such lifestyles appears to be limited. However, limitations in the availability and quality of evidence and equivocal findings may impede the current understanding of the role of certain factors in relation to cat sociability and associations with cat wellbeing, although such literature gaps also present important opportunities for further study. This review aims to summarise what is currently known about the various factors that may influence domestic cats’ sociality and sociability towards both humans and conspecifics, with a predominant focus on cats managed by humans in confined environments. Current limitations, knowledge gaps, and implications for cat wellbeing are also discussed.
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The Social Lives of Free-Ranging Cats. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12010126. [PMID: 35011232 PMCID: PMC8749887 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the diversity of social situations in which cats live, the degree to which free-ranging cats (FRCs) are social is still debated. The aim of this review is to explore the literature on the social behavior of FRCs. A search of two major databases revealed that observations of intraspecies and interspecies social interactions have been conducted. The intraspecific social dynamics of FRCs differ based on group of cats surveyed. Some groups display strong social bonds and preferential affiliations, while other groups are more loosely associated and display little to no social interaction. Factors impacting FRC conspecific interactions include cat body size, cat social rank, cat individuality, cat age, relationship to conspecific (kin/familiar), cat sex, level of human caretaking, presence of food, the health of the individual, or sexual status of conspecifics. Interspecies interactions also occur with humans and wildlife. The human’s sex and the weather conditions on the day of interaction have been shown to impact FRC social behavior. Interactions with wildlife were strongly linked to the timing of cat feeding events. These findings support the idea that FRCs are “social generalists” who display flexibility in their social behavior. The social lives of FRCs exist, are complex, and deserve further study.
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