Dear MARMAM colleagues,

My co-authors and I are excited to share with you our latest publication, which is also the first chapter of my PhD:

Genty, G., Sandoval-Castillo, J., Beheregaray, L. B., & Möller, L. M. (2024). Into the Blue: Exploring Genetic Mechanisms Behind the Evolution of Baleen Whales. Gene, 148822, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2024.148822

In this study, we used previously published whole-genome data from baleen whales and other cetaceans to investigate genes under positive selection. Our findings reveal numerous idiosyncratic and convergent genomic variations within baleen whales, particularly in genes associated with aging, survival, and homeostasis. We also discuss species-specific adaptations in blue, fin, humpback, and gray whales, highlighting, for example, the importance of immunity-related genes in blue and fin whales. These genetic adaptations may have played a key role in their morphological evolution, enabling these species to attain their remarkable size and adapt to diverse environments and diets.

We hope this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the genomic basis behind the diversification of baleen whales and the broader adaptive radiation of cetaceans.

Thank you for reading, and please feel free to share it.

Gabrielle Genty
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PhD Candidate
MSc Marine Mammals Science, St. Andrews University
BSc Biology, Universidad de los Andes
Pronouns: she/her

Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab (CEBEL)
Molecular Ecology Lab (MELFU)
College of Science & Engineering
Flinders University
Bedford Park South Australia 5042
GPO Box 2100 Adelaide SA 5001
 
M: +61 8 8201 3865 I 
E: gabrielle.genty@flinders.edu.au I 
Twitter: gabrielle_genty I 
MELFU Lab: Profile page I 


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