This is a titanic project called zoonomy. It brings together 150 scientists, 30 different teams from around the world and has completed an unprecedented task: to analyze and compare DNA 240 mammals. This makes up 80% of the families of this class of animals. That is why they say that this is the largest and most ambitious genetic research in history.
The genetic catalog includes more than 50 endangered species. Through this study, we can understand the evolutionary history of these animals. But the study is even more relevant: since humans are also mammals, this study could provide information about our own evolutionary history as well as our health.
Genes, conserved in many species, can tell us which ones are necessary for the normal functioning of the organism. Also give us clues about those that can cause diseases when they are changed, the magazine explains. The science, which yesterday published a special selection of 11 studies related to the project zoonomy.
Some of the more prominent sections include reducing the list of genes that potentially influence diseases such as cancer. They were also able to analyze, for example, genetic variations that give some species some advantage in survival.
What does the DNA of 240 mammals tell us?
During the analysis of the DNA of these mammals, scientists have identified regions of the genomes that are most conservative or unchanged both between species and over millions of years of evolution. Thus, these are areas that are biologically important for survival.
The researchers also uncovered part of the genetic basis for unusual mammalian traits. For example, the ability to hibernate or pick up faint odors from miles away. The discovery of the genetics of hibernation could, for example, contribute to the study of human therapy, intensive care and deep space flights.
“We are excited to see how we and other researchers can work with this data in new ways to understand both genome evolution and human disease.”
Kerstin Lindblad-To, participant of the project.
Project zoonomy considered by most mammalian lineages, although only 4% species. The study included animals of all types and sizes, from the northern Pacific right whale to the bumblebee bat. Humans’ closest evolutionary relatives such as the chimpanzee and the Sumatran orangutan were also included.
comparative study will allow us to determine which animals may be particularly vulnerable to extinction. In this way, organizations and governments will have information on where to invest the limited budget allocated for species conservation.
What makes people different?
The Zoonomia research team has studied more than 10,000 short sections of the genetic code which are found in all other mammals, but not in humans. Data helps to understand exactly what makes people human.
“A lot of the differences are in genes that we know are important for brain formation,” Steven Reilly, co-author of the study and assistant professor of genetics at Yale University, said in an interview. Washington Post.
Small differences have been found between the human brain and that of the chimpanzee, our closest relative. “I think it’s great, but a little humiliating. You would think that we would have a lot of different, great pieces,” Reilly explained. nSome key differences are related to genes that are associated with certain human diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
As the magazine explains, the Zoonomia project is one of dozens of ongoing animal genome sequencing projects. Nature. Another great initiative Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), which aims to create genomes for all 71,000 living vertebrate species, between mammals, reptiles, fish, birds and amphibians. Many Zoonomy researchers are also doing this other research.
Source: Hiper Textual
