Adaptive loss of shortwave-sensitive opsins during cartilaginous fish evolution

Bo Zhang, Yidong Feng, Meiqi Lv, Lei Jia, Yongguan Liao, Xiaoyan Xu, Axel Meyer, Jinsheng Sun, Guangyi Fan, Yumin Li, Yaolei Zhang (), Na Zhao (), Yunkai Li () and Baolong Bao ()
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Bo Zhang: Shanghai Ocean University
Yidong Feng: Shanghai Ocean University
Meiqi Lv: BGI Research
Lei Jia: Tianjin Fisheries Research Institute
Yongguan Liao: Shanghai Ocean University
Xiaoyan Xu: Shanghai Ocean University
Axel Meyer: University of Konstanz
Jinsheng Sun: Tianjin Fisheries Research Institute
Guangyi Fan: BGl Research Shenzhen
Yumin Li: Shanghai Ocean University
Yaolei Zhang: BGI Research
Na Zhao: Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory-Zhanjiang
Yunkai Li: Shanghai Ocean University
Baolong Bao: Shanghai Ocean University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Cartilaginous fishes (e.g., sharks, rays, and skates) cannot see blue or violet light, potentially because they lack the shortwave-sensitive cone opsin gene (sws). Widespread gene loss can occur during evolution, but the evolutionary mechanisms underlying sws loss remains unclear. Here, we construct whole-genome assemblies of Okamejei kenojei (skate) and Prionace glauca (blue shark). We then analyze the distribution characteristics and intragroup differences of opsin-related genes in cartilaginous fishes. Using a zebrafish model with sws deleted we infer that in the presence of SWS1 and SWS2, blue and violet light respectively, can induce cell aging. This is followed by photoreceptor layer thinning, demonstrating, sws loss aids in preventing shortwave light damage to the eye. In the retinas of numerous cartilaginous fishes, the tapetum lucidum strongly reflects light. Therefore, in cartilaginous fish, the existence of tapetum lucidum in the retina and loss of sws may be interdependent; in other words, this adaptive gene loss may increase cartilaginous fish fitness.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62544-w

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