International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 162-173 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 170 These findings have profound implications for evolutionary biology and related fields. They enhance our understanding of how gene regulatory networks and gene expression changes drive phenotypic diversity. Simultaneously, advances in synthetic biology and personalized genomics provide new tools and methods for studying evolutionary processes and adaptation mechanisms, helping to unravel the complex genetic and environmental interactions. Case studies demonstrate the concrete manifestations of genomic innovation and environmental adaptation in trait evolution, providing scientific evidence for biodiversity conservation and species management. Furthermore, these studies also promote advancements in medical biology and agricultural sciences, such as disease susceptibility research, crop improvement, and animal breeding. Despite significant progress, many unresolved questions and future research directions remain in the study of the molecular mechanisms of mammalian trait evolution. For instance, further exploration is needed into the complexities of gene regulatory networks, especially the interactions and regulatory mechanisms in different genomic contexts. Additionally, the specific roles of epigenetic modifications in long-term evolution require in-depth study, particularly how environmental information is transmitted across generations and affects phenotypic changes. Moreover, although gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 have achieved tremendous success in functional genomics research, their application in non-model organisms and complex polygenic trait studies needs further refinement and optimization. Addressing these issues will help to comprehensively reveal the molecular basis of mammalian trait evolution, driving the further development of evolutionary biology. Acknowledgments EcoEvo Publisher appreciates the feedback from the two anonymous peer reviewers on the manuscript. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Ahmad H., Ahmad M., Asif A., Adnan M., Iqbal M., Mehmood K., Muhammad S., Bhuiyan A., Elokil A., Du X., Zhao C., Liu X., and Xie S., 2018, A review of CRISPR-based genome editing: survival, evolution and challenges, Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 28: 47-68. https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.028.047 PMid:29428910 Ansai S., and Kitano J., 2022, Speciation and adaptation research meets genome editing, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 377. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2020.0516 PMid:35634923 PMCid:PMC9149800 Bayer T., 2010, Using synthetic biology to understand the evolution of gene expression, Current Biology, 20: R772-R779. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2010.06.049 PMid:20833322 Black J., Perez-Pinera P., and Gersbach C., 2017, Mammalian synthetic biology: engineering biological systems, Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, 19: 249-277. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-bioeng-071516-044649 PMid:28633563 Bono J., Olesnicky E., and Matzkin L., 2015, Connecting genotypes, phenotypes and fitness: harnessing the power of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, Molecular Ecology, 24. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.13252 PMid:26033315 Boutin S., and Lane J., 2013, Climate change and mammals: evolutionary versus plastic responses, Evolutionary Applications, 7: 29-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12121 PMid:24454546 PMCid:PMC3894896 Brawand D., Soumillon M., Necsulea A., Julien P., Csárdi G., Harrigan P., Weier M., Liechti A., Aximu-Petri A., Kircher M., Albert F., Zeller U., Khaitovich P., Grützner F., Bergmann S., Nielsen R., Pääbo S., and Kaessmann H., 2011, The evolution of gene expression levels in mammalian organs, Nature, 478: 343-348. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature10532 PMid:22012392
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