Decoding the evolution of melanin in vertebrates
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Date
2021-02-03
Authors
McNamara, Maria E.
Rossi, Valentina
Slater, Tiffany S.
Rogers, Chris S.
Ducrest, Anne-Lyse
Dubey, Sylvain
Roulin, Alexandre
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Published Version
Abstract
Melanins are widespread pigments in vertebrates, with important roles in visual signaling, UV protection, and homeostasis. Fossil evidence of melanin and melanin-bearing organelles – melanosomes – in ancient vertebrates may illuminate the evolution of melanin and its functions, but macroevolutionary trends are poorly resolved. Here, we integrate fossil data with current understanding of melanin function, biochemistry, and genetics. Mapping key genes onto phenotypic attributes of fossil vertebrates identifies potential genomic controls on melanin evolution. Taxonomic trends in the anatomical location, geometry, and chemistry of vertebrate melanosomes are linked to the evolution of endothermy. These shifts in melanin biology suggest fundamental links between melanization and vertebrate ecology. Tissue-specific and taxonomic trends in melanin chemistry support evidence for evolutionary tradeoffs between function and cytotoxicity.
Description
Keywords
Melanins , Melanosomes , Metallome , MC1R , Fossil color
Citation
McNamara, M. E., Rossi, V., Slater, T. S., Rogers, C. S., Ducrest, A. L., Dubey, S. and Roulin, A. (2021) 'Decoding the Evolution of Melanin in Vertebrates', Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 36(5), pp. 430-443. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2020.12.012