Scientists have created mice that carry genes from an ancient microbe, revealing insights into the evolution of animal traits. The researchers, led by Ya Gao and Daisylyn Senna Tan, inserted genes from a single-celled microbe called a choanoflagellate into mouse embryos. The resulting mice inherited dark eyes and fur patches, suggesting that the ancient genes can create stem cells compatible with complex multicellular development.
The study shows that key genes involved in stem cell formation might have originated far earlier than multicellular life, potentially driving animal evolution. This finding has significant implications for stem cell research and therapies. By understanding how life diversified on Earth, scientists can gain new insights into the fundamental processes that shape our biology.
The researchers discovered that genes from choanoflagellates are similar to those found in mammals, but not identical. The inability of choanoflagellate POU genes to produce pluripotent stem cells suggests that these genes underwent modification to take on their current role. This research adds complexity to the story of animal evolution and has potential applications in stem cell research and therapies.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/genes-older-than-animal-life-itself-were-inserted-into-mice-heres-what-happened