Approaching Human-likeness of Primates Unveiled
The international research community has made a significant leap forward in understanding the evolution and genetics of great apes, with the University of Hamburg announcing the results of a groundbreaking study.
For the first time, the complete genetic makeup of six great ape species - chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, Bornean and Sumatran orangutan, and siamang - has been decoded and made available. This milestone was achieved through the application of a new sequencing and analysis method, which provided a blueprint of all body cells for the decoded great ape species.
The study, published in the prestigious journal "Nature", was led by Evan Eichler from the University of Washington, with Erez Lieberman Aiden and his research team at the University of Hamburg as co-authors. The new genome data offer insights into the similarity of great apes to humans, as well as providing a better understanding of the genetic relationship among great ape species.
Until now, previous studies had gaps in the decoded primate genomes. The new data from the decoded genomes can significantly refine previous analyses, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis for traits that distinguish great apes from one another and from humans.
The new genome data can also aid in researching why some pathogens can more easily jump to other species, including humans. The decoded genomes provide a wealth of information that can be used to identify genetic markers that may be associated with disease susceptibility and resistance.
The study of these great ape genomes is particularly important given the close relationship between great apes and humans, with humans and chimpanzees sharing over 98% of their DNA. The new genome data offer insights into the evolutionary pathways that led to the divergence of the human and great ape lineages, providing a deeper understanding of the evolution of great apes.
The new sequencing and analysis methods were instrumental in the success of the research, enabling the team to decode a total of 215 chromosomes without gaps in these genomes. The genome sequences have a very low error rate, averaging less than one error per 500,000 base pairs.
Tobias Lenz from the University of Hamburg explained the implications of the study, stating that "this research marks a significant step forward in understanding the evolution and genetics of great apes, and will have far-reaching implications for conservation efforts and public health."
The inclusion of the siamang, a close relative of great apes, in the completely decoded genomes is particularly noteworthy, as it provides a more complete picture of the evolutionary history of great apes. The decoding of the first complete genomes of the six great ape species is a landmark achievement that will undoubtedly advance our understanding of the evolution and genetics of great apes for years to come.
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