Elaborate expansion of syntenic V1R hotspots correlates with high species diversity in nocturnal mouse and dwarf lemurs

摘要: Abstract Sensory gene families are of special interest, both for what they can tell us about molecular evolution, and imply as mediators social communication. The vomeronasal type-1 receptors (V1Rs) have often been hypothesized playing a fundamental role in driving or maintaining species boundaries given their likely function intraspecific mate choice, particularly nocturnal mammals. Here, we employ comparative genomic approach revealing patterns V1R evolution within primates, with focus on the small-bodied mouse dwarf lemurs Madagascar (genera Microcebus Cheirogaleus, respectively). By doubling existing resources strepsirrhine primates (i.e., lorises), find that highly-speciose morphologically-cryptic experienced an elaborate proliferation V1Rs argue is functionally related to capacity rapid lineage diversification. Contrary previous study found equivalent degrees diversity diurnal lemurs, our finds strong correlation between nocturnality elaboration, showing repertoires less diverse repertoires. Recognized subfamilies among show unique signatures diversifying positive selection, might be expected if each evolved respond specific stimuli. Further, detailed syntenic comparison (genus Mus) other mammalian outgroups shows orthologous subfamilies, predicted ancient origin, tend cluster densely populated region across chromosomes refer “hotspots.”