Genomic Instability in the Tammar Wallaby's Immune Genes
Author Information
Author(s): Hannah V. Siddle, Janine E. Deakin, Penny Coggill, Laurens G. Whilming, Jennifer Harrow, Jim Kaufman, Stephan Beck, Katherine Belov
Primary Institution: University of Sydney
Hypothesis
The tammar wallaby's major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has undergone significant genomic instability since diverging from its common ancestor with South American marsupials.
Conclusion
The wallaby MHC has been extensively remodeled, leading to a unique gene organization that may enhance immune diversity.
Supporting Evidence
- The wallaby MHC region contains 129 genes.
- The wallaby has undergone an expansion of MHC class II genes.
- Kangaroo Endogenous Retroviral Elements may have contributed to genomic instability.
Takeaway
The tammar wallaby's immune genes have changed a lot over time, which helps it fight off diseases better.
Methodology
The study involved sequencing 33 BAC clones covering over 4.5 MB of the wallaby MHC region and comparing it to other species.
Limitations
The exact number of certain gene families in the wallaby MHC is difficult to determine due to genetic complexity.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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