Population genomics provides insights into the evolution and adaptation of tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri) in China

Conservation and Evolution of Wildlife in the Context of Climate Change and Human Population Growth

Global climate change results in variations in morphological traits, resource competition, species diversity, physiological activity, genetic diversity, habitat use, distributional range, and conservation status in organisms [...].

Evolution and conservation genetics of pangolins

Pangolins (Pholidota, Manidae) are classified as an evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered mammal due to their unique morphology (nail-like scales and a myrmecophagous diet) and being the victim of heavy poaching and worldwide trafficking. As such, pangolins serve as a textbook example for studying the special phenotypic evolutionary adaptations and conservation genetics of an endangered species. Recent years have demonstrated significant advancements in the fields of molecular genetics and genomics, which have translated to a series of important research achievements and breakthroughs concerning the evolution and conservation genetics of pangolins. This review comprehensively presents the hitherto advances in phylogeny, adaptive evolution, conservation genetics, and conservation genomics that are related to pangolins, which will provide an ample understanding of their diversity, molecular adaptation mechanisms, and evolutionary potentials. In addition, we highlight the priority of investigating species/population diversity among pangolins and suggest several avenues of research that are highly relevant for future pangolin conservation.

Methylation of the leptin gene promoter is associated with a negative correlation between leptin concentration and body fat in Tupaia belangeri

AIMS

Leptin is a signaling protein secreted by white adipose tissue encoded by the obesity gene, and its main function is to regulate the food intake and energy metabolism in mammals. Previous studies had found that animal leptin concentration was positively correlated with its body fat, but the leptin concentration of Tupaia belangeri was negatively correlated with its body fat mass. The present study attempted to investigate the mechanisms of leptin concentration negatively correlated with its body fat mass in T. belangeri.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We measured the leptin concentration of the two groups of animals by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantified the leptin mRNA expression by qPCR. Then, the histological, transcriptomic, and bisulfite sequencing of the two groups of animals were studied. Moreover, to investigate the energy metabolism under the negative correlation, we also analyzed the metabolomics and metabolic rate in T. belangeri.

KEY FINDINGS

We revealed the negative correlation was mediated by leptin gene methylation of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Further, we also found that T. belangeri increased energy metabolism with leptin decreased.

SIGNIFICANCE

We challenge the traditional view that leptin concentration was positively correlated with body fat mass, and further revealed its molecular mechanism and energy metabolism strategy. This special leptin secretion mechanism and energy metabolism strategy enriched our understanding of energy metabolism of animals, which provided an opportunity for the clinical transformation of metabolic diseases.