preprint
An analysis of 1,375 genomes from the Lake Malawi cichlid fish radiation revealed five large chromosomal inversions segregating within the benthic group. Each inversion suppresses recombination across more than half of a chromosome. Two of these genetic arrangements were introduced from deepwater pelagic Diplotaxodon through admixture, whereas the remaining three established early in the deep benthic lineage. The movement of these genetic regions coincided with bursts of species diversification. Furthermore, these inversions display evidence of transient sex linkage alongside an elevated rate of protein-altering substitutions, which points to natural selection acting on genes related to neuro-sensory functions, physiology, and reproduction. The findings show that repeated interactions between adaptations to water depth and sex-specific selection on large structural variations have driven the diversification of this fish system.
Understanding how organisms diversify rapidly offers vital insights into biodiversity and genetic adaptation. This research demonstrates how large rearrangements of chromosomes can capture beneficial traits and interact with sex determination, helping animals adapt to different ecological environments such as varying water depths.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway, as this is basic scientific research focusing on evolutionary genetics and speciation dynamics.
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Abstract Chromosomal inversions contribute to adaptive speciation by linking co-adapted alleles. Querying 1,375 genomes of the species-rich Malawi cichlid fish radiation, we discovered five large inversions segregating in the benthic subradiation that each suppress recombination over more than half a chromosome. Two inversions were transferred from deepwater pelagic Diplotaxodon via admixture, while the others established early in the deep benthic clade. Introgression of haplotypes from lineages inside and outside the Malawi radiation coincided with bursts of species diversification. Inversions show evidence for transient sex linkage and a striking excess of protein changing substitutions points towards selection on neuro-sensory, physiological and reproductive genes. We conclude that repeated interplay between depth adaptation and sex-specific selection on large inversions has been central to the evolution of this iconic system.
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DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.28.605452
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