Adaptive molecular evolution within a highly diverse group of fishes, rockfishes (Sebastes)

摘要: Author(s): Heras, Joseph | Advisor(s): Barlow, Miriam Abstract: The molecular processes that govern speciation are not completely understood, especially within marine ecosystems. Insight on the topic of can be provided by focusing adaptive radiations, because rapid amount lineages have arisen a short natural historical time frame. Rockfishes (genus: Sebastes) known as system for radiations systems and been considered an ancient species flock. This dissertation concentrates rockfishes from subgenus (Pteropodus) closely related congeners to make inferences about adaptation systems. Brain, kidney, testes, ovaries, spleen tissues were selected multiple rockfish extract total RNA in order sequence transcriptome with use Sanger next generation sequencing techniques. These types intended give us broad spectrum utilized identify genes subject positive selection. Pair-wise comparisons conducted orthologous pairs between/among estimated nonsynonymous (Ka) synonymous (Ks) substitutions. In first study, comparative analysis Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) Sebastes caurinus S. rastrelliger was candidate under selection Pteropodus. Genes elevated Ka/Ks values belonged following functional categories: immune function, metabolism, longevity, reproductive behavior, indicating divergence at immunological, physiological, loci may important diversification this group fishes. second ESTs goodei saxicola, pair Pteropodus, identifying testes ovary tissue types. Gonadal these two elucidate patterns their recognition contribute barriers between species. untranslated regions (UTRs) compared rate coding gain clear depiction neutral substitutional mutation rates. Orthologous gene identified tested addition, approach zona pellucida (ZP) family determine whether third study dissertation, multi-transcriptomic comparison conducted, which three Pteropodus analyzed addition datasets pattern subgenus. Brain used most diverse set transcripts genome. variety functions included sensory perception, growth, metabolism. we 10 sequences part phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway, although had range across all five study. collections studies further advance field evolutionary biology providing support speciation. Currently, there is no genome available, provides foundation future genomic projects better understanding genus. developed traditional categories, such reproduction, apoptosis, also play role With transcriptomic data Sebastes, obtained suite selection, assess responsible radiation how occurred entire genus Sebastes.