Articles tagged with Mammal Genomes
A new study found that rising temperatures are driving changes in polar bear DNA, which may help them adapt to increasingly challenging environments. The researchers discovered that genes related to heat-stress, aging, and metabolism are behaving differently in polar bears living in southeastern Greenland.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that mammals with more developed brains tend to exhibit smaller sexual size dimorphism (SSD), meaning there is less difference in size between males and females. This suggests that complex brain development may be linked to other traits such as social behavior and mate selection.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered that bat genomes contain unique adaptations to defend against infection and cancer. The study highlights the interconnectedness of immunity and cancer response, revealing potential new treatments for human diseases.
A new study provides comprehensive genomic resources for pangolins, helping protect these threatened mammals from extinction due to habitat loss and trafficking. The data will aid in conservation priorities and management plans, as well as tracing the pangolin trade.
A global consortium of researchers has developed a large-scale, cross-species database and universal 'clock' to estimate age in all mammalian tissues. The study found that changes in DNA methylation levels are closely associated with life span and numerous other traits across mammals.
Researchers have compared the genes of 240 species of mammals, including a famous sled dog named Balto, to gain insights into biological and evolutionary processes. The study identifies pinpointing genes that underlie complex traits like hibernation and brain size.
Researchers compared woolly mammoth genomes with modern-day elephants to find unique traits. They identified genes responsible for small ears, fat metabolism, and cold perception, which became more defined over time.
A USC-led team of scientists identified the key gene Nr5a2, essential for opening up genome regions that enable neural crest cells to form tendons and salivary glands. Zebrafish and mice lacking this gene exhibited skeletal and tendon defects, as well as failed salivary gland development.
The study reveals diverse retroviruses in mouse lemurs, closely related to viruses in polar bears and domestic sheep, suggesting ancient infections. The discovery of endogenous retroviruses in these species provides new insights into the complex history of retroviral transmission among mammals.
Heidelberg researchers decoded genetic regulation of sperm formation across various mammal species, including humans. The study revealed a time-related pattern of gene expression differences, highlighting the rapid evolution of spermatogenesis.
A study by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona reveals the three-dimensional structure of mammalian genomes is more diverse than previously seen, with different patterns of chromosome folding identified in various species. The research provides new interpretative hypotheses about the plasticity of the genome and its role in evolution.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a novel sex-determination mechanism in the Amami spiny rat, a species lacking the Y chromosome and Sry gene. The mechanism involves the upregulation of Sox9 gene on chromosome 3, induced by a new regulatory element similar to Enh14.
A study comparing whole genomes of several mustelids, including the tayra and wolverine, identifies multiple sources of genomic variation contributing to species-specific traits. The research sheds light on how these adaptations evolved in response to different ecological challenges.
Cetaceans lost genes for saliva secretion and lung function to adapt to aquatic life. They also shed melatonin production genes, leading to novel sleep patterns where one brain hemisphere stays awake to generate heat as needed.
Researchers have sequenced the koala genome, uncovering unique features of its taste receptor genes and enabling it to detect toxicity levels in eucalyptus leaves. This adaptation allows koalas to optimize nutrient ingestion while avoiding toxic metabolites.
Researchers have found that widespread transfer of genes between species has radically changed the genomes of today's mammals. L1 and BovB jumping genes were transferred between 759 species across various domains of life, including plants, animals, fungi, reptiles, and insects.
A genome-scale analysis of 82 mammalian species reveals continuous placental mammal diversification despite the KPg extinction. The findings support the fossil record and challenge the notion that the event hindered their diversification.
The study provides novel candidate genes for future studies on longevity and cancer resistance, while revealing physiological adaptations related to size in large whales. Researchers hope to apply these findings to humans to fight age-related diseases.
A study of bird genomes reveals that birds are less susceptible to viral invasions or purge them more effectively than mammals. The research, published in Science, identified five viral families that have left a footprint in the bird genome during evolution.
Researchers at University at Buffalo discover that wallabies and bats carry 'fossil' copies of filovirus genes, suggesting a genetic defense mechanism. This finding has important implications for developing human vaccines and understanding disease outbreaks.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a previously unknown gene, ZBED6, that regulates muscle growth in pigs and has evolved to be essential for placental mammals. The study found that the protein plays a crucial role in regulating hundreds of genes in mammals.
Research reveals genomic imprinting in goldfish shares similarities with mammalian Imprinting, challenging the idea of unique evolutionary event for mammals. The study found parental differential methylation regions in goldfish, indicating a primitive form of genomic imprinting in early vertebrate evolution.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered ultraconserved DNA regions that have been highly conserved throughout evolution. Despite being deleted in laboratory animals, these regions are less likely to be lost in primates and rodents, suggesting a possible role in fundamental biological processes.
A recent study suggests that selenium supplements may not be necessary for most people due to a reduced reliance on the trace element in mammals. This discovery raises questions about the need for supplements and highlights the importance of considering individual factors such as age, sex, and medical needs.
Researchers developed an open-source software system called InvChecker to detect microinversions in genomic sequences. Microinversions can provide insights into genetic diversity and evolution. The new approach confirmed the existing phylogenetic tree for 15 mammals, shedding light on species splits and evolutionary relationships.
Researchers have identified 34 mutations resulting in embryonic lethality, attributing it to defects in cellular proliferation, gastrulation, and other developmental processes. The study predicts that between 13.7% and 19% of all mouse genes are necessary for embryonic viability.
In polygynous species, males copulate with several females that may later breed communally. This leads to offspring being more closely related through the paternal line.
Researchers sequenced a region of the house finch genome, showing similarities to mammalian genomes in structure. The study found that birds' compact genomes favor metabolic demands related to flight, supporting shared basic genome structure with mammals.