Large-scale sequencing of flatfish genomes provides insights into the polyphyletic origin of their specialized body plan
Zhenming Lü, Li Gong, Yandong Ren, Yongjiu Chen, Zhongkai Wang, Liqin Liu, Haorong Li, Xianqing Chen, Zhenzhu Li, Hairong Luo, Hui Jiang, Yan Zeng, Yifan Wang, Kun Wang, Chen Zhang, Haifeng Jiang, Wenting Wan, Yanli Qin, Jianshe Zhang, Liang Zhu, Wei Shi, Shunping He, Bingyu Mao, Wen Wang, Xiaoyu Kong, Yongxin Li
Abstract
The evolutionary and genetic origins of the specialized body plan of flatfish are largely unclear. We analyzed the genomes of 11 flatfish species representing 9 of the 14 Pleuronectiforme families and conclude that Pleuronectoidei and Psettodoidei do not form a monophyletic group, suggesting independent origins from different percoid ancestors. Genomic and transcriptomic data indicate that genes related to WNT and retinoic acid pathways, hampered musculature and reduced lipids might have functioned in the evolution of the specialized body plan of Pleuronectoidei. Evolution of Psettodoidei involved similar but not identical genes. Our work provides valuable resources and insights for understanding the genetic origins of the unusual body plan of flatfishes.