Scholarlink

<p>Subspecies represent evolutionarily distinct lineages that preserve patterns of adaptive diversity and ecological specialization within species. Genomic tools can assist with subspecies delineation, and provide support for classifications based solely on morphological, geographic, or ecological traits. The American mink (<i>Neogale vison</i>), as semi-aquatic mustelid carnivore with a broad ecological range across North America, includes several putative subspecies of conservation concern. To investigate their evolutionary history and adaptive signatures, chromosome-scale genome assemblies were generated for six individuals representing three subspecies: <i>N. vison evergladensis</i>, <i>N. vison vulgivaga</i>, and <i>N. vison lutensis</i>. Genomes were assembled using Illumina short reads, scaffolded with Oxford Nanopore long reads, and aligned to the phased <i>N. vison</i> reference genome. The reference-free pangenome revealed an open architecture and presence/absence analysis was consistent with distinct adaptive profiles. <i>Neogale vison evergladensis</i> showed enrichment in traits related to reproduction and sensory function, <i>N.v. vulgivaga</i> in cytoskeletal remodeling and oxidative stress, and <i>N. v. lutensis</i> in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Mitochondrial analyses resolved <i>N.v. lutensis</i> as a distinct lineage, while nuclear data lacked fine-scale resolution. Our findings support <i>N.v. evergladensis</i> as a distinct subspecies, supported by both the mitogenome phylogeny and functional differentiation. <i>Neogale vison evergladensis</i> also exhibited multiple indicators of small population size, including high inbreeding estimates, and evidence of sustained population decline. As the first pangenome for Mustelidae, this study demonstrates the power of natural history specimens to detect signatures of adaptation and inform the management of threatened populations.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Mink by mink: stitching together signatures of subspecies adaptation through a pangenome of threatened mustelids

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月20日

查看全文
  • Aishatu Affini,
  • Hailey Baranowski,
  • Scott Forbes,
  • Elena N. Foust,
  • Kristyn Hatley,
  • Ethan L. Ni,
  • Airianna McGuire,
  • Kyle Paist,
  • Mary Rutter,
  • Robin N. Smith,
  • Nataly Vargas,
  • Harshita Akella,
  • Kate R. Castellano,
  • Nicole Pauloski,
  • Noah M. Reid,
  • Kerry A. Cobb,
  • Rachel J. O’Neill,
  • Teisha King,
  • Elizabeth L. Jockusch,
  • Jill L. Wegrzyn,
  • Paul Hapeman

摘要

Subspecies represent evolutionarily distinct lineages that preserve patterns of adaptive diversity and ecological specialization within species. Genomic tools can assist with subspecies delineation, and provide support for classifications based solely on morphological, geographic, or ecological traits. The American mink (Neogale vison), as semi-aquatic mustelid carnivore with a broad ecological range across North America, includes several putative subspecies of conservation concern. To investigate their evolutionary history and adaptive signatures, chromosome-scale genome assemblies were generated for six individuals representing three subspecies: N. vison evergladensis, N. vison vulgivaga, and N. vison lutensis. Genomes were assembled using Illumina short reads, scaffolded with Oxford Nanopore long reads, and aligned to the phased N. vison reference genome. The reference-free pangenome revealed an open architecture and presence/absence analysis was consistent with distinct adaptive profiles. Neogale vison evergladensis showed enrichment in traits related to reproduction and sensory function, N.v. vulgivaga in cytoskeletal remodeling and oxidative stress, and N. v. lutensis in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Mitochondrial analyses resolved N.v. lutensis as a distinct lineage, while nuclear data lacked fine-scale resolution. Our findings support N.v. evergladensis as a distinct subspecies, supported by both the mitogenome phylogeny and functional differentiation. Neogale vison evergladensis also exhibited multiple indicators of small population size, including high inbreeding estimates, and evidence of sustained population decline. As the first pangenome for Mustelidae, this study demonstrates the power of natural history specimens to detect signatures of adaptation and inform the management of threatened populations.