Revolutionary genes: Researchers decipher primate genomes and their secrets!

Revolutionary genes: Researchers decipher primate genomes and their secrets!

An international research team recently completely decoded the genes of six primate species. This significant discovery is published in the journalNaturepublished and offers deeper insights into the evolution of great apes. The Department of Biology at the University of Hamburg was involved in this project, focusing in particular on immune genes that are important for immune system proteins. This new research not only enables improved knowledge about genetic relationships, but also about species-specific characteristics of the species studied.

Led by Evan E. Eichler from Washington University in the USA, the genomes of the following species were decoded: chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, Borneo orangutan, Sumatran orangutan and siamang. The results of this study are particularly valuable because they show high accuracy: less than one error in 500,000 base pairs, resulting in a total of 215 seamlessly sequenced chromosomes. This precise data has the potential to significantly improve future genetic studies.

Advances in genomic research

The complete sequencing of the human genome was first carried out in 2001. Since then, methods for decoding primate genomes have evolved. Previous studies repeatedly showed gaps in the genome sequences and the species studied, which made research difficult. Using new sequencing technologies and analysis methods, the international research team was able to successfully overcome these challenges and generate valuable data.

Tobias Lenz, one of the study authors, emphasizes the importance of this new genomic data. They help to better understand how pathogens can jump from one species to another and to humans. This could provide crucial impetus for future research in the fields of medicine and evolutionary theory.

Outlook for future studies

The findings from this extensive analysis open up new opportunities for research in primate genomics. With the data obtained, scientists can more specifically investigate which genetic factors play a role in the evolution of great apes and how these differ from human genes. This could not only deepen our understanding of the evolution of great apes, but also have important implications for dealing with zoonotic diseases, i.e. diseases that are transmitted from animals to humans.

Overall, this project shows the potential of modern genomic research and the importance of international collaborations for groundbreaking scientific advances. The complete genomes of the six primate species are not only a benefit to science, but also a valuable foundation for future genetic studies.

For more information about the research and its results, see University of Hamburg, Mirror and APA.