7 research outputs found
Adaptation and conservation insights from the koala genome
The koala, the only extant species of the marsupial family Phascolarctidae, is classified as ‘vulnerable’ due to habitat loss and widespread disease. We sequenced the koala genome, producing a complete and contiguous marsupial reference genome, including centromeres. We reveal that the koala’s ability to detoxify eucalypt foliage may be due to expansions within a cytochrome P450 gene family, and its ability to smell, taste and moderate ingestion of plant secondary metabolites may be due to expansions in the vomeronasal and taste receptors. We characterized novel lactation proteins that protect young in the pouch and annotated immune genes important for response to chlamydial disease. Historical demography showed a substantial population crash coincident with the decline of Australian megafauna, while contemporary populations had biogeographic boundaries and increased inbreeding in populations affected by historic translocations. We identified genetically diverse populations that require habitat corridors and instituting of translocation programs to aid the koala’s survival in the wild
Evolution and gene capture in ancient endogenous retroviruses - insights from the crocodilian genomes
Screening for (-(SEA)) α-globin gene deletion in β-thalassemia carriers and prevention of hydrops fetalis
In Southeast Asia, where thalassemia is prevalent, heterozygous carriers of both β-thalassemia mutation and the (-(SEA)) α-globin gene deletion are encountered. These individuals are potentially at risk of being parents to off-springs affected by β-thalassemia major, hemoglobin (Hb) H disease, and Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis. We propose screening for the (-(SEA)) α-thalassemia mutation in all β-thalassemia carriers to prevent hydrops fetalis.link_to_subscribed_fulltex
Surveys of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in the freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) suggest that ERVs in Crocodylus spp. vary between species
Adaptation and conservation insights from the koala genome
The koala, the only extant species of the marsupial family Phascolarctidae, is classified as ‘vulnerable’ due to habitat loss and widespread disease. We sequenced the koala genome, producing a complete and contiguous marsupial reference genome, including centromeres. We reveal that the koala’s ability to detoxify eucalypt foliage may be due to expansions within a cytochrome P450 gene family, and its ability to smell, taste and moderate ingestion of plant secondary metabolites may be due to expansions in the vomeronasal and taste receptors. We characterized novel lactation proteins that protect young in the pouch and annotated immune genes important for response to chlamydial disease. Historical demography showed a substantial population crash coincident with the decline of Australian megafauna, while contemporary populations had biogeographic boundaries and increased inbreeding in populations affected by historic translocations. We identified genetically diverse populations that require habitat corridors and instituting of translocation programs to aid the koala’s survival in the wild