Turtles’ unique genetic blueprint is stored in their cells through complex folding patterns that determine gene activation. A new study led by Iowa State University’s Nicole Valenzuela has shed light on the intricacies of chromatin structure, which may hold the key to understanding evolution and improving biomedical research.
Valenzuela’s team discovered a previously unobserved arrangement in the genomes of two turtle species, revealing a unique folding pattern that differs from other organisms. The turtles’ chromatin arrangement is characterized by the alignment of telomeres and centromeres, suggesting a distinct evolutionary history.
The study has significant implications for understanding how genetic data is read and used, particularly in relation to gene regulation and expression. By analyzing contact points between distant DNA regions, researchers can develop models to map chromatin configurations across various species.
This research could also inform biomedical applications, such as treating strokes or developing techniques for cryogenic preservation of human tissues. Furthermore, understanding turtles’ adaptations to environmental changes may aid conservation efforts by providing insights into how genetic variations impact their biology.
Valenzuela’s team plans to expand their research to study more turtle species and compare their chromatin organization with that of other reptiles. Advanced mapping techniques will be used to gain deeper insights into the 3D structure of chromatin and its changes over time and under various environmental conditions.
The study’s findings may ultimately help researchers develop a more comprehensive understanding of genotype-to-phenotype mapping, allowing them to better understand how genetic data is translated into physical traits.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/turtles-have-genomes-unlike-any-other-animal