Keane, M, Semeiks, J, Webb, AE et al. (27 more authors) (2015) Insights into the evolution of longevity from the bowhead whale genome. Cell Reports, 10 (1). pp. 112-122. ISSN 2211-1247
Abstract
The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is estimated to live over 200 years and is possibly the longest-living mammal. These animals should possess protective molecular adaptations relevant to age-related diseases, particularly cancer. Here, we report the sequencing and comparative analysis of the bowhead whale genome and two transcriptomes from different populations. Our analysis identifies genes under positive selection and bowhead-specific mutations in genes linked to cancer and aging. In addition, we identify gene gain and loss involving genes associated with DNA repair, cell-cycle regulation, cancer, and aging. Our results expand our understanding of the evolution of mammalian longevity and suggest possible players involved in adaptive genetic changes conferring cancer resistance. We also found potentially relevant changes in genes related to additional processes, including thermoregulation, sensory perception, dietary adaptations, and immune response. Our data are made available online (http://www.bowhead-whale.org) to facilitate research in this long-lived species.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Biological Sciences (Leeds) > School of Biology (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 13 Oct 2016 14:30 |
Last Modified: | 13 Oct 2016 14:30 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2014.12.008 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.12.008 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:103529 |