The Burmese python genome reveals the molecular basis for extreme adaptation in snakes

作者：Todd A. Castoe, A. P. Jason de Koning, Kathryn Tayo Hall, Daren C. Card, Drew R. Schield, Matthew K. Fujita, Robert P. Ruggiero, Jack F. Degner, Juan M. Daza, Wanjun Gu, Jacobo Reyes‐Velasco, Kyle J. Shaney, Jill M. Castoe, Samuel E. Fox, Alex W. Poole, Daniel Polanco, Jason Dobry, Michael W. Vandewege, Qing Li, Ryan K. Schott, Aurélie Kapusta, Patrick J. Minx, Cédric Feschotte, Peter H Uetz, David A. Ray, Federico G. Hoffmann, Robert Bogden, Eric Nelson Smith, Belinda S. W. Chang, Freek J. Vonk, Nicholas R. Casewell, Christiaan V. Henkel, Michael K. Richardson, Stephen P. Mackessy, Anne M. Bronikowski, Mark D. Yandell, Wesley C. Warren, Stephen M. Secor, David D. Pollock · 发表于：Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 年份：2013 · DOI：10.1073/pnas.1314475110 · 被引用次数：311 · 研究领域：Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies、Amphibian and Reptile Biology、Genetic diversity and population structure

Snakes possess many extreme morphological and physiological adaptations. Identification of the molecular basis of these traits can provide novel understanding for vertebrate biology and medicine. Here, we study snake biology using the genome sequence of the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus), a model of extreme physiological and metabolic adaptation. We compare the python and king cobra genomes along with genomic samples from other snakes and perform transcriptome analysis to gain insights into the extreme phenotypes of the python. We discovered rapid and massive transcriptional responses in multiple organ systems that occur on feeding and coordinate major changes in organ size and function. Intriguingly, the homologs of these genes in humans are associated with metabolism, development, and pathology. We also found that many snake metabolic genes have undergone positive selection, which together with the rapid evolution of mitochondrial proteins, provides evidence for extensive adaptive redesign of snake metabolic pathways. Additional evidence for molecular adaptation and gene family expansions and contractions is associated with major physiological and phenotypic adaptations in snakes; genes involved are related to cell cycle, development, lungs, eyes, heart, intestine, and skeletal structure, including GRB2-associated binding protein 1, SSH, WNT16, and bone morphogenetic protein 7. Finally, changes in repetitive DNA content, guanine-cytosine isochore structure, and ...