Health

First Complete X and Y Chromosome Sequences Unveiled for Great Apes

May 29, 2024 1 min read

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Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health have successfully generated the first complete chromosome sequences from non-human primates, providing new insights into their evolutionary processes. The study, involving teams from Penn State, the National Human Genome Research Institute, and the University of Washington, sequenced the chromosomes of five great ape species: chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, Bornean orangutan, and Sumatran orangutan. The findings revealed a significant alignment between the X chromosomes of these species and humans, with over 90% of the sequences matching, indicating minimal evolutionary change over millions of years.

The research also highlighted substantial variation in the Y chromosomes among the different species, demonstrating rapid evolution. This variation is significant for understanding the evolution of sex chromosomes and associated diseases. The Y chromosomes were found to have far fewer genes compared to the X chromosomes and displayed a higher degree of variability in size and content. Approximately 62 to 66% of the X chromosomes and 75 to 82% of the Y chromosomes consist of repetitive DNA sequences. These new reference genomes will serve as important tools for future studies on primate evolution and conservation.

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