By mapping the genomes of 240 mammal species, researchers have now discovered what makes humans genetically distinct.
In this study, scientists involved in the Zoonomia research project compared the DNA sequences of 240 mammal species, including humans, 42 primate species, and various other organisms, to identify genetic differences and what makes humans unique from a genetic perspective.
Humans have distinct gene sequences in their brains compared to over 200 other animal species. (Photo: Pexels).
The Zoonomia project, which involves over 150 researchers across seven time zones, has identified unique human gene sequences related to brain function, metabolism, and the immune system.
“However, the uniqueness of the human genome is something that is truly difficult to articulate, as we have yet to fully explore it ourselves,” said Dr. Elinor Karlsson, co-director of Zoonomia and head of the vertebrate genome research group at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
Additionally, researchers have discovered 100,000 disease-causing variants in the human genome.
“Now, researchers can accurately pinpoint specific mutations within each gene, aiding scientists in finding ways to combat diseases such as cancer, schizophrenia, diabetes, and heart disease,” said Dr. Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, co-leader of the research team and a professor of comparative genomics at Uppsala University (Sweden), the Broad Institute of MIT, and Harvard University (USA).
Moreover, gene mutations occur in every generation of each species, not just humans. From the genome, researchers can identify which traits are essential for a species to survive through the least mutated genes. By examining the evolutionary process, scientists can determine which mutations are beneficial and which are detrimental for treatment with medication.
Furthermore, genetic research on other animals also provides valuable insights for scientists regarding human health.
For instance, understanding why bears do not experience blood clotting during hibernation could help doctors develop new therapies to prevent clotting in humans. Similarly, from the discovery that bats can resist various viruses that affect other species, researchers can delve deeper and propose new medical treatments for humans.
In addition, comparing a wide array of species allows us to gain insights into the evolutionary processes of mammals, how species change over time, and how they adapt to their environments. It can also help researchers identify the species at the highest risk of extinction.
Observing how the genome changes over time can assist scientists in determining when species diverged. This is also how they understand that mammals began to diversify when the continents started to separate.
