Contrasting patterns of RUNX2 repeat variations are associated with palate shape in phyllostomid bats and New World primates

Author(s):Show less -

Ferraz, Tiago ^{[1, 2]} ; Rossoni, Daniela M. ^[2] ; Althoff, Sergio L. ^[3] ; Pissinatti, Alcides ^[4] ; Paixao-Cortes, Vanessa R. ^[5] ; Bortolini, Maria Catira ^[1] ; Gonzalez-Jose, Rolando ^[6] ; Marroig, Gabriel ^[2] ; Salzano, Francisco M. ^[1] ; Goncalves, Gislene L. ^{[1, 7]} ; Huenemeier, Tabita ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Biosci Inst, Dept Genet, BR-91501970 Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Biosci Inst, Dept Genet & Evolutionary Biol, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Reg Blumenau, Blumenau, SC - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Bahia, Biol Dept, Salvador, BA - Brazil

^[5] Rio de Janeiro Primatol Ctr, BR-20940200 Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil

^[6] Natl Council Sci & Technol Res CONICET, Patagonian Inst Social & Human Sci, U9120ACD, Puerto Madryn - Argentina

^[7] Univ Tarapaca, Fac Agrarian Sci, Dept Environm Resources, Arica - Chile

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 8, MAY 18 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Establishing the genetic basis that underlies craniofacial variability in natural populations is one of the main topics of evolutionary and developmental studies. One of the genes associated with mammal craniofacial variability is RUNX2, and in the present study we investigated the association between craniofacial length and width and RUNX2 across New World bats (Phyllostomidae) and primates (Catarrhini and Platyrrhini). Our results showed contrasting patterns of association between the glutamate/alanine ratios (Q/A ratio) and palate shape in these highly diverse groups. In phyllostomid bats, we found an association between shorter/broader faces and increase of the Q/A ratio. In New World monkeys (NWM) there was a positive correlation of increasing Q/A ratios to more elongated faces. Our findings reinforced the role of the Q/A ratio as a flexible genetic mechanism that would rapidly change the time of skull ossification throughout development. However, we propose a scenario in which the influence of this genetic adjustment system is indirect. The Q/A ratio would not lead to a specific phenotype, but throughout the history of a lineage, would act along with evolutionary constraints, as well as other genes, as a facilitator for adaptive morphological changes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/12632-4 - Morphological evolution and cranial integration in Phyllostomidae
• Grantee: Daniela Munhoz Rossoni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral