The change in the number of chromosomes an animal has can take millions of years during the evolutionary process. A new study published has revealed that these changes, which take a very long time, can be made in a short time in the laboratory environment.
The scientists who carried out the research succeeded in making this long change, which took place during the course of evolution in nature, on mice. It was stated that the new technique uses stem cells and gene editing method. The study findings were shared on August 25 in the journal Science.
May reveal new information about animal evolution and help fight genetic diseases
Noting that the technique has been a huge success, the researchers said they hope the findings will reveal new information about how the rearrangement of chromosomes affects animal evolution.
Chromosomes, which consist of DNA and proteins in the cell, are called thread-like genetic units that provide heredity in living things. Most species have a fixed number of chromosomes; however, changes may occur in these units over the course of millions of years. As a result, serious physiological changes can be seen in organisms. Missing or extra chromosomes can lead to genetic diseases. It is also stated that chromosomal fusions cause consequences such as cancer.
In the study, the researchers fused various mouse chromosomes to create different sizes. He then injected the altered genes into unfertilized eggs. Most mice with fused chromosomes exhibited abnormalities. It was stated that some mice did not develop, while others reached adulthood but remained sterile. Also, some grow much faster than normal; however, he was reported to be more anxious and physically slow. In the study, it was stated that those who received the fusion of chromosomes 4 and 5 were most successful in passing the genetic code to their offspring, so that new offspring could be produced.
The findings reveal that the rearrangement of chromosomes is crucial for reproductive isolation (preventing different species from having children by mating), as well as playing an important role in the evolution and separation of species. More specifically, some rare changes in chromosomes helped guide the evolution of the ancestors of living things. Finally, experts added that the acquired knowledge can help fight against diseases such as chromosome fusions.
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