Skip to main content

Table 1 Summary of genes with a ‘root-to-tip’ dN/dS significantly correlated with indices of three kinds of bone (rib, humerus and vertebrae) and under positive selection (PSG) or divergent selection (DSG) in cetaceans

From: Accelerated evolution and diversifying selection drove the adaptation of cetacean bone microstructure

Gene

Gene name

Gene function

Model

Ref

Wnt pathway

 

 CTNNB1

Catenin β1

Intracellular signaling protein of the Wnt–β-catenin pathway

DSG

[43, 44]

 FZD4

Frizzled Class Receptor 4

Receptor for Wnt proteins

DSG

 DVL3

Dishevelled Segment Polarity Protein 3

Signal transduction protein in Wnt pathway

DSG

Hormone

 FSHR

Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor

FSHR is located in osteoclasts, FSH stimulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption

PSG

[45]

Collagen protein

 COL1A2

Collagen Type I Alpha 2 Chain

Abundant and widespread: dermis, bone, tendon, ligament

PSG (rib)

[46]

 COL2A1

Collagen Type II Alpha 1 Chain

Cartilage, vitreous

DSG

 COL3A1

Collagen Type III Alpha 1 Chain

Skin, blood vessels, intestine

PSG, DSG (rib)

 COL5A2

Collagen Type V Alpha 2 Chain

Bone, dermis, cornea, placenta

DSG (humerus)

 COL9A1

Collagen Type IX Alpha 1 Chain

Cartilage, cornea, vitreous

DSG

 SPARC

Osteonectin

Required for the collagen in bone to become calcified

DSG

[47, 48]

Osteoblast differentiation and function

 HES1

Hes Family BHLH Transcription Factor 1

Inhibiting osteoblast function and inducing bone resorption

DSG

[49]

 RUNX2

Runt-related transcription factor 2

Transcription factor driving osteoblastogenesis

DSG

[50, 51]

 MEPE

Matrix Extracellular Phosphoglycoprotein

Mineralization, phosphate regulation and osteogenesis.

PSG

[52]

 STAT1

Signal Transducer and Activator Of Transcription 1

An important role in endochondral bone formation and chondrocyte differentiation

DSG

[53]

Osteoclast differentiation and function

 TEC

Tec Protein Tyrosine Kinase

Activated by RANKL and Indispensable for osteoclastogenesis

DSG, PSG (humerus)

[54]

 LCP2

Lymphocyte Cytosolic Protein 2

Adaptor molecules in osteoclastogenesis

DSG (humerus)

 FOSL1

FOS Like 1, AP-1 Transcription Factor Subunit

Induces transcription of Fosl1 in osteoclast differentiation

DSG (humerus)

[55]

 IFNAR1

Interferon Alpha and Beta Receptor Subunit 1

Regulating osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption

PSG

[56]

 MITF

Melanogenesis Associated Transcription Factor

Nuclear activity of osteoclast

PSG (humerus)

[57]

 TNFRSF1A

TNF Receptor Superfamily Member 1A

TNF-α inhibit osteoblast differentiation and active osteoclastogenesis through TNFRSF1A

PSG (rib)

[58]