Whole genome duplication shaped the evolution of the salmon family
Evolution is driven by changes in DNA that sometimes promote adaptation, altering traits like disease resistance or reproduction. Often, these changes are minuscule, modifying a single letter in the DNA code—somewhat like altering a single letter on one page of a long book.
Whole-genome duplication (WGD) played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of the salmon family, according to a new study. This phenomenon, which involves the duplication of an organism's entire genetic sequence, provides evolution with additional genetic material to work with. In the case of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout, both members of the salmonid family, WGD occurred around 100 million years ago.
The study, led by Professor Sigbjørn Lien of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, analyzed extensive genomic data from these fish, revealing that the duplicated genes have experienced constraints in expression changes during late embryonic development. This period of constraint suggests that evolution has less flexibility to alter gene regulation during organ formation, as harmful changes may be eliminated through natural selection.
The research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of WGD and its impact on evolution, not just in salmon and trout, but potentially across various vertebrate species.
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