Data from: Trpc2 Pseudogenization dynamics in bats reveal ancestral vomeronasal signaling, then pervasive loss

Comparative methods are often used to infer loss or gain of complex
phenotypes, but few studies take advantage of genes tightly linked with
complex traits to test for shifts in the strength of selection. In mammals
vomerolfaction detects chemical cues mediating many social and
reproductive behaviors and is highly conserved, but all bats exhibit
degraded vomeronasal structures with the exception of two families
(Phyllostomidae and Miniopteridae). These families either regained
vomerolfaction after ancestral loss, or there were many independent losses
after diversification from an ancestor with functional vomerolfaction. In
this study, we use the Transient receptor potential cation channel 2
(Trpc2) as a molecular marker for testing the evolutionary mechanisms of
loss and gain of the mammalian vomeronasal system. We sequenced Trpc2 exon
2 in over 100 bat species across 17 of 20 chiropteran families. Most
families showed independent pseudogenizing mutations in Trpc2, but the
reading frame was highly conserved in phyllostomids and miniopterids.
Phylogeny-based simulations suggest loss of function occurred after bat
families diverged, and purifying selection in two families has persisted
since bats shared a common ancestor. As most bats still display
pheromone-mediated behavior, they might detect pheromones through the main
olfactory system without using the Trpc2 signaling mechanism.