Abstract
Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) are vital lipid biomolecules that are transferred through the food web, supporting proper animal development and functioning. Recent research now shows that many animals are capable of synthesizing LC-PUFAs themselves using a series of fatty acid front-end desaturase and elongase enzymes. These so-called 'ecological keystone genes' allow an animal to partly satisfy its LC-PUFA needs when dietary LC-PUFA provisioning is limited. This research investigates the role of LC-PUFA biosynthesis in the rapid speciation and trophic diversification of the famous Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlids, where different species rapidly acquired unique feeding ecologies, requiring novel LC-PUFA provisioning strategies. Their genes responsible for LC-PUFA biosynthesis and their potential role in adaptive radiation are explored, leveraging genomic data from over 200 Lake Malawi cichlid species. I aim to elucidate the impact of dietary LC-PUFA availability as a selective pressure driving molecular adaptation among cichlids. Genomic variation in LC-PUFA biosynthesis genes will be investigated to reveal associations with trophic level, dietary LC-PUFA availability, and habitat, providing insights into potential adaptations. Transcriptomic and phenotypic responses to varying LC-PUFA provisioning will be explored in both natural habitats and controlled feeding experiments, shedding light on the consequences of the evolved LC-PUFA biosynthesis capacity.
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