A lab in Hong Kong has recently made genetically modified mice, swapping the mices' stem cell genes for a choanoflagellate's. The purpose of this experiment was to examine the similarity in functionality of the genes responsible for pluripotency in the choanoflagellate and in animals. Modified stem cells were injected into the mice embryos, then the birthed mice were examined.
The produced mice were, on the whole, normal, signifying to researchers that the stem cells from the unicellular organism were compatible with a multicellular's. The mice also tell researchers about pluripotency, or cell differentiation. More specifically, the research has concluded that multicellularity came after cell differentiation. In fact, multicellularity, and the consequent evolution of organisms, might have even been the result of pluripotency. It also indicates that, unlike previously thought, the genes for pluripotency predate the emergence of multicellular organisms.
What is incredible about this experiment is that the genes in the choanoflagellate, which are likely millions or even billions of years old, still work and are still around. Not only that, but these ancient genes are still compatible in other, more modern organisms. What caught my interest is that the article mentioned that some of the modified mice had "dark eyes and dark fur patches that indicated their mixed genetics" (Starr). I would like to know if why this occurs, and if this is related to the choanoflagellate's gene sequence. Perhaps it indicates some limitation of gene-transplanting?
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