Phylogenomic analysis of Cervidae provides insights into antler origin and evolutionOA
Antlers represent the only known example of complete annual organ regeneration in mammals.Despite this unique regenerative capacity,the genetic mechanisms driving antler origin and morphological diversification across Cervidae remain poorly understood.This study assembled six high-quality chromosome-level genomes of cervids spanning four distinct tribes,including the first genomic reference for the tufted deer(Elaphodus cephalophus).Comparative analyses across the Cervidae lineage identified signatures of positive selection on gene networks governing stem cell differentiation and bone metabolism,with elevated expression of these genes detected in antler developmental and regenerative tissues.Tribe-specific selective pressures in Cervini and Odocoileini further revealed convergent evolution targeting core developmental pathways,notably the RAS/MAPK pathway,implicating these pathways in both the emergence and enhancement of antler traits.In contrast,relaxed selective constraints in the antlerless Chinese water deer(Hydropotes inermis)revealed disruptions in gene modules associated with tumor suppression and skeletal homeostasis,suggesting a rewiring of regulatory homeostasis.These findings highlight how antler evolution reshaped physiological trade-offs,including reduced oncogenic susceptibility and enhanced tissue regeneration and cyclic bone remodeling.This study advances current understanding of antler evolution and diversification,while providing genomic resources for mammalian regenerative biology.
Zhenyu Zhong;Zihe Li;Zhili Zuo;Quanmin Zhao;Zhipeng Li;Bao Wang;Botong Zhou;Qingyun Guo;Zhibin Cheng;Jie Mao;Huishan Yue;Wenbo Zhu;Ge Han;Yusu Wang;Guifen Zhou;Lei Chen;Michael VWestbury;Qiang Qiu;Rasmus Heller;Wen Wang;Lisen Li
Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center,Beijing 100076,China National Conservation and Research Center for Milu,Beijing 100076,ChinaNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaChengdu Zoo(Chengdu Wildlife Research Institute),Chengdu,Sichuan 610081,ChinaCollege of Chinese Medicinal Materials,Jilin Agricultural University,Changchun,Jilin 130118,ChinaCollege of Animal Science and Technology,Jilin Agricultural University,Changchun,Jilin 130118,ChinaNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaBeijing Milu Ecological Research Center,Beijing 100076,China National Conservation and Research Center for Milu,Beijing 100076,ChinaBeijing Milu Ecological Research Center,Beijing 100076,China National Conservation and Research Center for Milu,Beijing 100076,ChinaChengdu Zoo(Chengdu Wildlife Research Institute),Chengdu,Sichuan 610081,ChinaNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaCollege of Chinese Medicinal Materials,Jilin Agricultural University,Changchun,Jilin 130118,ChinaCollege of Engineering and Technology,Jilin Agricultural University,Changchun,Jilin 130118,ChinaNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaGLOBE Institute,University of Copenhagen,Copenhagen DK-1350,DenmarkNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaSection for Computational and RNA Biology,Department of Biology,University of Copenhagen,Copenhagen DK-2100,DenmarkNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,ChinaNew Cornerstone Science Laboratory,Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Intelligent Monitoring and Protection,School of Ecology and Environment,Northwestern Polytechnical University,Xi’an,Shaanxi 710072,China
生物科学
CervidaeTelomere-to-telomere genome assemblyOrigin and evolution of antlersPhysiological rewiring associated with antlers
《Zoological Research》 2026 (1)
P.289-302,14
supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32388102,32030016,32220103005)New Cornerstone Investigator Program to W.W.Financial Program of BJAST(11000025T000003328806)to Z.Y.Z.National Natural Science Foundation of China(32122083)to Z.P.L.China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2024M764241)to L.S.L。
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