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Adaptive loss of shortwave-sensitive opsins during cartilaginous fish evolution

Author

Listed:
  • Bo Zhang

    (Shanghai Ocean University
    Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory-Zhanjiang)

  • Yidong Feng

    (Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Meiqi Lv

    (BGI Research)

  • Lei Jia

    (Tianjin Fisheries Research Institute)

  • Yongguan Liao

    (Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Xiaoyan Xu

    (Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Axel Meyer

    (University of Konstanz)

  • Jinsheng Sun

    (Tianjin Fisheries Research Institute)

  • Guangyi Fan

    (BGl Research Shenzhen)

  • Yumin Li

    (Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Yaolei Zhang

    (BGI Research)

  • Na Zhao

    (Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory-Zhanjiang)

  • Yunkai Li

    (Shanghai Ocean University)

  • Baolong Bao

    (Shanghai Ocean University)

Abstract

Cartilaginous fishes (e.g., sharks, rays, and skates) cannot see blue or violet light, potentially because they lack the shortwave-sensitive cone opsin gene (sws). Widespread gene loss can occur during evolution, but the evolutionary mechanisms underlying sws loss remains unclear. Here, we construct whole-genome assemblies of Okamejei kenojei (skate) and Prionace glauca (blue shark). We then analyze the distribution characteristics and intragroup differences of opsin-related genes in cartilaginous fishes. Using a zebrafish model with sws deleted we infer that in the presence of SWS1 and SWS2, blue and violet light respectively, can induce cell aging. This is followed by photoreceptor layer thinning, demonstrating, sws loss aids in preventing shortwave light damage to the eye. In the retinas of numerous cartilaginous fishes, the tapetum lucidum strongly reflects light. Therefore, in cartilaginous fish, the existence of tapetum lucidum in the retina and loss of sws may be interdependent; in other words, this adaptive gene loss may increase cartilaginous fish fitness.

Suggested Citation

  • Bo Zhang & Yidong Feng & Meiqi Lv & Lei Jia & Yongguan Liao & Xiaoyan Xu & Axel Meyer & Jinsheng Sun & Guangyi Fan & Yumin Li & Yaolei Zhang & Na Zhao & Yunkai Li & Baolong Bao, 2025. "Adaptive loss of shortwave-sensitive opsins during cartilaginous fish evolution," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62544-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62544-w
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