The Olfactory Receptor Gene Family of Marsupials

摘要: Olfaction in vertebrates is mediated mainly by a large family of olfactory receptors the epithelium that belong to superfamily G protein-coupled receptors. Olfactory systems are well conserved among vertebrates, including marsupials, but there variation numbers genes different animals. Most marsupials nocturnal so depend on their sense smell locate food, avoid predators and identify potential mates similar ways other mammals. The bulbs quite adult suggesting very important these In addition, undeveloped newborn have special challenge locating pouch unassisted. It likely newborns utilise for this unique pouch-finding task. system one few sufficiently developed accomplish task finding pouch. opossum OR repertoire marsupial, American opossum, largest characterised mammals far, containing over 1,500 genes. Interestingly comparisons with an Australian tammar wallaby, suggests may be feature marsupials. repertoires two show high degree similarity total gene range This unlike placental mammals, where greater range. Results from provide evidence both major forces (adaptation genomic drift) behind “birth-and-death” theory evolution