Browsing by Subject "Positive selection"

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    Molecular evolutionary analysis of genes potentially associated with invasiveness in two species of the genus Thunbergia (Acanthaceae)
    (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali, 2025) Ruiz Calero, Santiago; Suárez Barón, Harold Geovanny
    Invasive species present a critical threat to global biodiversity and ecosystems, with significant economic impacts and human health risks. In Colombia, Thunbergia alata and Thunbergia grandiflora (Acanthaceae) are introduced species that exhibit contrasting patterns of invasiveness. T. alata has rapidly expanded in Andean forests and highly disturbed areas, whereas T. grandiflora shows no evident invasive behavior in the country. This study aimed to analyze molecular evolutionary patterns of genes potentially associated with invasiveness by identifying selection signals in genes involved in the adaptation of both species to new environment. We selected 32 candidate genes through differential expression analysis, gene ontology annotations, and literature review, focusing on processes such as development, reproduction, metabolism, and stress response. We conducted a gene co-expression analysis which revealed functionally enriched modules exclusively in T. alata. In parallel, we carried out a positive selection analysis based on codon substitution models identifying specific amino acid sites under selective pressure in five genes (POK, ANJ1, ACLB1, NAC92, and DEGP1), associated with vesicle trafficking, protein folding, metabolism, and stress tolerance. These findings suggest that positive selection on specific sites may be linked to mechanisms of gene neofunctionalization or subfunctionalization, enhancing adaptive capacity and invasive potential. The comparative analysis between both species contribute to a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying plant invasiveness. However, further functional validation of these genes and also an exploration of alternative molecular pathways are essential to fully elucidate the genetic basis driving adaptive and invasive traits in invasive species.