Researchers have discovered that ancient DNA can enter a glass-like molecular state, called chromoglass. When DNA is in this state it becomes stable, slows degradation and lets the DNA withstand harsh conditions. The DNA enters this state when it goes through rapid drying due to exposure to the cold.
A woolly mammoth from 52000 years ago was discovered to have chromoglass DNA which has led researchers to discover much more about the woolly mammoth. Researchers have discovered its chromosome organization and what genes were active before its death. This information was then used to the woolly mammoth and to modern elephant DNA. The researchers identified 425 genes active in mammoths and 395 unique to elephants. One gene called EGFR is the gene that regulates hair and skin growth which is what gives woolly mammoths their long fur.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/drying-woolly-mammoth-dna-3d-glass
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(24)00642-1
I found the EGFR gene you mentioned very intriguing! After looking into it a little more, I found that this gene was inactive in woolly mammoths but is active in elephants. I assume that as the mammoths moved to colder climates they adapted to not express this gene, for they needed the warmth that long fur provided. Additionally, I wonder if there have been any elephants that have had mutations around/on the EGFR locus and have had furry phenotypes. Definitely an interesting read!
ReplyDeleteEven if the gene was found to be inactive, I wonder how well can we actually study the way it is expressed and regulated from frozen samples, very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteFascinating discovery! The chromoglass state is a game-changer for studying ancient DNA. Learning about the woolly mammoth’s active genes, like EGFR for long fur, offers incredible insights into its biology and evolution. Comparing this with elephant DNA deepens our understanding of their unique traits and shared ancestry.
ReplyDeleteThe structure and behavior of this chromoglass DNA is pretty interesting. I didn't know that wooly mammoths had this structure present in their DNA but hope to see more research on the topic and what benefits or downsides it may have when active or inactive. This is fascinating to learn about there are surely more unique traits that must apply to this and can't wait to see the development of it if there is any in the future.
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