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Molecular phenotyping uncovers differences in basic housekeeping functions among closely related species of hares (Lepus spp., Lagomorpha: Leporidae)
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  • Kateryna Gaertner,
  • Craig Michell,
  • Riikka Tapanainen,
  • Steffi Goffart,
  • Sina Saari,
  • Manu Soininmäki,
  • Eric Dufour,
  • Jaakko Pohjoismäki
Kateryna Gaertner
Tampere University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Craig Michell
University of Eastern Finland
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Riikka Tapanainen
University of Eastern Finland
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Steffi Goffart
University of Eastern Finland
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Sina Saari
Tampere University
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Manu Soininmäki
University of Eastern Finland
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Eric Dufour
Tampere University
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Jaakko Pohjoismäki
University of Eastern Finland
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Abstract

Speciation is a fundamental evolutionary process, which results in genetic differentiation of populations and manifests as discrete morphological, physiological and behavioral differences. Each species has had its own evolutionary trajectory, formed by many types of selection pressures and random drift, making the association of genetic differences between the species with the phenotypic differences extremely difficult. In the present study, we have used an in vitro model to analyze in depth the genetic and gene regulation differences between fibroblasts of two closely related mammals, the arctic/subarctic mountain hare (Lepus timidus Linnaeus) and the temperate steppe-climate adapted brown hare (Lepus europaeus Pallas). We discovered the existence of a species-specific expression pattern of 1,623 genes, manifesting in differences in cell growth, respiration, and metabolism. Interspecific differences in the housekeeping functions of fibroblast cells suggest speciation acts on fundamental processes, even in these two interfertile species. Our results help to understand the molecular constituents of a species difference on cellular level, which could contribute to the maintenance of the species boundary
12 May 2022Submitted to Molecular Ecology
13 May 2022Submission Checks Completed
13 May 2022Assigned to Editor
21 May 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Jun 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
19 Jul 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
30 Aug 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Aug 20221st Revision Received
15 Sep 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
16 Sep 20222nd Revision Received
16 Sep 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Oct 2022Editorial Decision: Accept