R. Ruivo

Alterations of Pleiotropic Neuropeptide-Receptor gene couples in Cetacea

The paper examines neuropeptide-receptor gene alterations in cetaceans, finding species-specific mutations and gene loss linked to their unique physiological adaptations.

Convergent Decay of Skin-specific Gene Modules in Pangolins

The paper analyzes gene modules related to skin physiology in pangolin genomes, revealing convergent gene inactivation patterns and insights into the evolution of keratin-derived scales.

A drastic shift in the energetic landscape of toothed whale sperm cells

The paper shows toothed whale sperm cells rely on fatty acid beta-oxidation instead of glycolysis for motility due to gene erosion, highlighting an adaptation to marine environments.

Differential Cetacea Circadian Rhythmicity is associated with the molecular erosion of Cortistatin

The paper examines the molecular changes in Cortistatin across 139 mammalian genomes, finding that cetaceans and other mammals with atypical biorhythms have accumulated deleterious mutations in CORT.

The dopamine receptor D5 gene shows signs of independent erosion in Toothed and Baleen whales

The paper investigates the evolution of the dopamine receptor D5 gene in mammals, finding independent gene loss in cetaceans and a burrowing mammal, suggesting a link to hypoxia adaptations.

Convergent inactivation of the skin-specific C-C motif chemokine ligand 27 in mammalian evolution

The paper investigates the convergent inactivation of Ccl27 across multiple mammalian lineages and links it to adaptive changes in skin physiology.

The singularity of Cetacea behaviour parallels the complete inactivation of melatonin gene modules

The paper examines melatonin-related gene modules in cetacean genomes and finds they are eroded, paralleling their unique behavioral traits.

Identification of a novel Nucleobase-Ascorbate Transporter family member in fish and amphibians

The paper identifies a new NAT family member, Slc23a5, in fish and amphibians, clarifies its evolutionary relationships, and suggests uric acid as its preferred substrate.