| Owls is one of typically nocturnal birds in birds with great hearing sensitivity,while the molecular basis that underlies the enhanced hearing is poorly understand.In this study,we conducted a comparatively evolutionary analyses of hearing genes between owls and their diurnal relatives(eagle,hawk,falcons,et al.)based on the cochlea transcriptome sequencing.Totally,53 hearing-related genes were analyzed and their positive selections were examined using branch model,branch-site model and Clade C model that are implemented in Paml software.Two positively selected genes USH1 G,LOXHD1 along the ancestral branch of owls were found.Both USH1 G and LOXHD1 play certain roles in maintaining normal function of the hair cells.Our results suggest USH1 G,LOXHD1 may play potentially important roles in the enhancement of the hearing in owls. |
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