Jing He , Jun Li

Animal Science Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 4   doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0018
Received: 07 Jun., 2024    Accepted: 15 Jul., 2024    Published: 21 Jul., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

He J., and Li J., 2024, Molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian trait evolution, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 14(4): 162-173 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0018)

This study systematically reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying mammalian trait evolution, revealing the significant roles of genetic mutations, natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and epigenetic modifications in trait evolution. It delves into the roles of genomic innovations such as transcription factors and their regulatory networks, non-coding RNAs, differential gene expression, gene duplication and divergence, horizontal gene transfer, genome rearrangements, as well as key molecular pathways such as signaling pathways, metabolic pathways, and sensory adaptation-related pathways. Through case studies on the evolution of fur and skin pigmentation, mammalian teeth and dietary adaptations, and reproductive strategies and mechanisms, the concrete manifestations of genomic innovation and environmental adaptation in trait evolution are demonstrated. The study also discusses the application of high-throughput sequencing technologies, comparative genomics and phylogenetics, functional genomics, and gene editing technologies (such as CRISPR/Cas9) in evolutionary research, emphasizing the impact of the environment on gene expression and trait evolution. These findings provide profound insights into evolutionary biology and related fields.

Mammals; Trait evolution; Molecular mechanisms; Gene regulation; Epigenetics