A recent study published in Science Advances has revealed distinct genetic changes in feral dogs living within the Chernobyl exclusion zone (CEZ). Researchers analyzed DNA from 302 CEZ dogs compared to populations outside the zone, finding significant genetic divergence that may influence their survival and reproduction.
The analysis identified genomic regions associated with radiation response, including genes linked to DNA repair, immune function, and metabolic regulation. Variants in critical genes such as ATM, TP53, and XRCC4 were found at different frequencies in CEZ dog populations compared to controls.
Genetic distance charts showed distinct clustering of CEZ dogs versus those from Chernobyl city and surrounding villages. The study suggests that selective pressure may favor alleles that enhance survival in environments with chronic low-dose radiation exposure.
The analysis also revealed lower heterozygosity among dogs living closest to the Chernobyl plant, consistent with small founding populations and limited breeding opportunities. This genetic isolation may contribute to the fixation of radiation-tolerant traits.
Further research detected positive selection signals in genes involved in immune regulation and oxidative stress response, which are critical for coping with chronic environmental insults. These pathways may help explain reports of darker coat pigmentation in CEZ dogs.
The study provides valuable insights into how wildlife adapts to extreme environments, shedding light on the evolution of genetic traits under radiation exposure. This knowledge could extend to human health, particularly cancer susceptibility and resilience to radiation therapy.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/08/chernobyls-dogs-are-transforming-at-record-speed-what-radiation-is-really-doing-to-their-dna