Mountain Gorilla's Genome Key in Understanding their Population Decline
April 15, 2015| |
The mountain gorilla's whole genome has been sequenced through the collaborative efforts of researchers from different American and European institutions led by Chris Tyler-Smith from Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, United Kingdom. This was made possible by analyzing the blood samples obtained from the Rwanda Development Board, Africa, The Institut Congolese pour la Conservation du Nature, Spain and the Gorilla Doctors, University of California-Berkeley. The sequenced genome served as a key in understanding the reasons behind the population decline of mountain gorillas.
By comparing the genome of mountain gorilla with other gorilla species, the team's findings show that mountain gorillas have very low genetic diversity. Inbreeding is considered to be genetically beneficial for mountain gorillas due to the production of fewer loss-of-function variants. These variants inhibit gene functions causing serious health problems. The genomes also reveal that the loss of genetic diversity in mountain gorilla started over 20,000 years.
Full details of the study can be read at Science's website or Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute's website.
| |
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
News from Around the World
- Voices and Views: Why Biotech?
- ISAAA GM Crops Adoption Report Launched in Uganda
- Hormones for Root Growth Rates Revealed
- GM Eucalyptus Approved for Commercial Use in Brazil
- Canadian Government Streamlines Variety Registration Process
- Aspirin an Essential Tool for Plants during Drought
- E-Farming System Launched for the First Time in Pakistan
- Newly Bred Broccoli Aids in Reducing Cholesterol
- European Commission Launches Scientific Debate on How to Feed the Planet
-
Research Highlights
- Scientists Assess Field Performance of Cellulase-expressing Maize
- Plant Characterization of HT Soybean (MON 89788)
-
Beyond Crop Biotech
- Mountain Gorilla's Genome Key in Understanding their Population Decline
-
Announcements
- International Conference on Plant Biology
- Plant Genomes and Biotechnology: From Genes to Networks
-
Resources
- Infographic: GMO - Do We Judge Before We Know?
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (April 17, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (April 10, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet