Xinghao Li , Hongbo Liang , Jia Xuan

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 2   doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0010
Received: 27 Jan., 2024    Accepted: 08 Mar., 2024    Published: 29 Mar., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Li X.H., Liang H.B., and Xuan J., 2024, Genomic insights into the adaptation of reptiles to extreme environments, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(2): 84-96 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0010)

Reptiles exhibit a remarkable diversity in habitats, ranging from arid deserts to high altitudes and marine environments. Understanding the genomic adaptations that enable reptiles to thrive in such varied conditions is essential for comprehending their evolutionary success. This study aims to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underpinning thermoregulation, arid environment survival, high-altitude adaptation, and marine life in reptiles. This study examined genetic mechanisms of heat and cold tolerance, water conservation strategies, oxygen transport efficiency, and saltwater tolerance through comprehensive genomic analyses. A detailed case study on desert-dwelling reptiles, including the Gila monster and various desert snakes and lizards, provides insights into their unique adaptations. Advanced genomic tools and techniques, such as next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, have facilitated these discoveries. Our findings highlight emerging trends and challenges in reptilian genomics, with significant implications for conservation and evolutionary biology. Future research should focus on integrating functional genomics and gene editing to further explore these adaptive mechanisms and their applications in conservation efforts.

Reptilian genomics; Thermoregulation; Arid environment adaptation; High-altitude adaptation; Marine environment adaptation