Scientists Uncover Ancient Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) Event in Sturgeons and Paddlefish
Recent genetic research has unveiled an intriguing revelation about the evolutionary history of sturgeons and paddlefish, shedding new light on the mechanisms behind species survival. Geneticists have identified an overlooked instance of “whole genome duplication” (WGD) in the common ancestor of these species, which took place just prior to a significant mass extinction event. This discovery suggests that the resulting genetic variations may have provided these species with a competitive advantage during a time of environmental upheaval.
Moreover, this groundbreaking finding opens up the possibility of similar unrecognized WGD events in other species’ lineages. These ancient genome duplications could have played a crucial role in the survival of various organisms during periods of extreme environmental changes.
Led by Professor Aoife McLysaght and Dr. Anthony Redmond from Trinity College Dublin’s School of Genetics and Microbiology, the research has been published in the esteemed international journal, Nature Communications.
Professor McLysaght explained, “Whole genome duplication involves the fascinating phenomenon of copying and pasting an entire genome, resulting in a species possessing twice the genetic material it had before. While most species, including humans, are ‘diploid’ with chromosome pairs inherited from each parent, whole genome duplication leads to a quadruplication of genetic material. This abundance of raw material greatly facilitates the occurrence of mutations and evolutionary processes. Over time, a species’ genome reverts back to the typical chromosome pairs through a process called rediploidization.”
She further added, “While the concept of whole genome duplication and rediploidization has long been known, what’s truly remarkable is that we have now demonstrated the significance of the time it takes for the second phase of this process to occur. In this instance, it took an exceedingly long period, so much so that some gene duplications seem to be unique to specific species, emerging after the species branched off on their separate evolutionary paths.”
Consequently, the original whole genome duplication that transpired before the sturgeon and paddlefish diverged had remained concealed until now. The researchers propose that similar events may have transpired in numerous other species, potentially creating genomic conditions that contributed to their survival during mass extinctions.
Genetic evidence reveals both shared and non-shared gene duplications in sturgeons and paddlefish, derived from the ancient WGD. The timing of this event, dating back over 250 million years ago, coincides with the Permian-Triassic mass extinction that devastated more than half of all living families.
This discovery reinforces the theory that WGD events provide species with a broader evolutionary platform. Greater genetic material translates to increased potential for variations over time, enhancing the likelihood of advantageous traits emerging to cope with challenging or changing environmental conditions. These dynamics likely played a crucial role during the period of rediploidization, which coincided with the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction approximately 200 million years ago.
Dr. Redmond remarked, “Multiple whole genome duplication events occurred in our ancient early vertebrate ancestors, shaping the landscape of our modern human genome. Our findings are particularly exciting as they not only illuminate the genome evolution of sturgeons and paddlefish but also provide a comparative snapshot of how duplicated genes in our early vertebrate ancestors evolved after these doubling events.”
The study received funding from the Irish Research Council and the European Research Council.
Reference:
Redmond, A.K., Casey, D., Gundappa, M.K., Macqueen, D.J., & McLysaght, A. “Independent rediploidization masks shared whole genome duplication in the sturgeon-paddlefish ancestor.” Nature Communications, 19 May 2023. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38714-z
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about whole genome duplication
What did geneticists discover about sturgeons and paddlefish?
Geneticists discovered a previously hidden whole genome duplication (WGD) event in the common ancestor of sturgeons and paddlefish. This event occurred just before a significant mass extinction, potentially providing these species with advantageous genetic variations.
How does whole genome duplication (WGD) affect species?
Whole genome duplication involves the copying and pasting of an entire genome, resulting in a species having twice the genetic material as before. This abundance of raw material allows for increased mutations and evolutionary processes, potentially leading to advantageous traits that can help species cope with environmental changes.
What is the significance of the time it takes for the second phase of whole genome duplication to occur?
The time it takes for rediploidization, the process by which a species’ genome reverts back to typical chromosome pairs after whole genome duplication, is important. In the case of sturgeons and paddlefish, this process took an extended period, resulting in unique gene duplications specific to each species. This indicates that similar undiscovered whole genome duplications may have occurred in other species lineages.
How does the ancient whole genome duplication in sturgeons and paddlefish relate to mass extinctions?
The whole genome duplication event discovered in sturgeons and paddlefish took place just before a significant mass extinction event. This suggests that the resulting genetic variations may have provided these species with an advantage in surviving the environmental changes associated with mass extinctions. It raises the possibility that other species may have experienced similar whole genome duplications, contributing to their survival during periods of extreme environmental turmoil.
What implications does this research have for our understanding of evolution?
The research on whole genome duplication in sturgeons and paddlefish provides insights into the evolutionary mechanisms behind species survival. It highlights the importance of genetic variations generated through whole genome duplication, which may increase a species’ capacity to adapt to difficult or changing environmental conditions. This understanding expands our knowledge of how species have managed to survive and evolve throughout Earth’s history.
More about whole genome duplication
- Nature Communications: “Independent rediploidization masks shared whole genome duplication in the sturgeon-paddlefish ancestor”
- Trinity College Dublin’s School of Genetics and Microbiology
- Irish Research Council
- European Research Council
5 comments
I’ve always been fascinated by mass extinctions and how some species survive. The idea that whole genome duplication may have played a role in their survival is mind-boggling! Science keeps uncovering new secrets of life’s history.
This research is mind-blowing! Who wud hav thot dat whole genome duplication happnd in sturgeons n paddlefish? Itz amazin how genetics play a role in species survival during mass extinctions. Kudos to the scientists!
wow, dats so kool! i dint no dat species cud duplicate der hole genome! it mite b y species survive wen environment changes r tuff. luv lernin abt evolushun!
Nature always surprises us! The fact dat species can copy their entire genome is simply fascinating. I wonder if this phenomenon happened in other animals too. Evolution is such an incredible process!
Interesting study, but the grammatical errors in dis text r really annoyin. Whole sentences startin with small letters, missin punctuations – it makes it hard 2 read. Proofreadin is important, folks!