Reduction ofParaoxonaseexpression followed by inactivation across independent semiaquatic mammals suggests stepwise path to pseudogenization

Abstract

ABSTRACTConvergent adaptation to the same environment by multiple lineages frequently involves rapid evolutionary change at the same genes, implicating these genes as important for environmental adaptation. Such adaptive molecular changes may yield either change or loss of protein function; loss of function can eliminate newly deleterious proteins or reduce energy necessary for protein production. We previously found a striking case of recurrent pseudogenization of theParaoxonase 1(Pon1) gene among aquatic mammal lineages -Pon1became a pseudogene with genetic lesions, such as stop codons and frameshifts, at least four times independently in aquatic and semiaquatic mammals. Here, we assess the landscape and pace of pseudogenization by studyingPon1sequences, expression levels, and enzymatic activity across four aquatic and semiaquatic mammal lineages: pinnipeds, cetaceans, otters, and beavers. We observe in beavers and pinnipeds an unexpected reduction in expression ofPon3, a paralog with similar expression patterns but different substrate preferences. Ultimately, in all lineages with aquatic/semiaquatic members, we find that preceding any coding level pseudogenization events inPon1, there is a drastic decrease in expression, followed by relaxed selection, thus allowing accumulation of disrupting mutations. The recurrent loss ofPon1function in aquatic/semiaquatic lineages is consistent with a benefit toPon1functional loss in aquatic environments. Accordingly, we examine diving and dietary traits across pinniped species as potential driving forces ofPon1functional loss. We find that loss is best correlated with diving activity and likely results from changes in selective pressures associated with hypoxia and hypoxia-induced inflammation.