Giraffe genome sequence reveals clues to its unique morphology and physiology
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Date
2016-05-16
Authors
Agaba, Morris
Ishengoma, Edson
Miller, Webb C.
McGrath, Barbara C.
Hudson, Chelsea N.
Bedoya Reina, Oscar C.
Ratan, Aakrosh
Burhans, Rico
Chikhi, Rayan
Medvedev, Paul
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nature Communications
Abstract
The origins of giraffe’s imposing stature and associated cardiovascular adaptations are
unknown. Okapi, which lacks these unique features, is giraffe’s closest relative and provides a
useful comparison, to identify genetic variation underlying giraffe’s long neck and cardiovascular
system. The genomes of giraffe and okapi were sequenced, and through comparative
analyses genes and pathways were identified that exhibit unique genetic changes and likely
contribute to giraffe’s unique features. Some of these genes are in the HOX, NOTCH and FGF
signalling pathways, which regulate both skeletal and cardiovascular development, suggesting
that giraffe’s stature and cardiovascular adaptations evolved in parallel through changes in a
small number of genes. Mitochondrial metabolism and volatile fatty acids transport genes are
also evolutionarily diverged in giraffe and may be related to its unusual diet that includes toxic
plants. Unexpectedly, substantial evolutionary changes have occurred in giraffe and okapi in
double-strand break repair and centrosome functions.
Sustainable Development Goals
Research Article published by Nature Communications
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES