A recent study conducted by scientists from Brazil’s University of Campinas Institute of Biology (IB-UNICAMP) sheds light on the genetic mechanisms behind the vast size differences observed among cetacean species, including dolphins, whales, and porpoises. The findings not only provide insights into the evolution of size among these marine mammals but also offer potential implications for cancer treatment research.
Cetaceans exhibit a remarkable range in size, from the colossal blue whale reaching lengths of up to 30 meters to the relatively petite bottlenose dolphin, which typically doesn’t exceed 3.5 meters. To unravel the genetic underpinnings of this size diversity, researchers focused on specific gene regions, particularly the promoter region preceding the protein-coding segment of the NCAPG gene.
The study’s lead author, Felipe Silva, explains that analysis of the NCAPG promoter region revealed distinct patterns corresponding to cetacean size categories. Giant cetaceans, defined as those exceeding 10 meters in length, exhibited heightened activity of size-controlling proteins regulated by specific promoters. In contrast, cetaceans smaller than 10 meters displayed inhibitors that curbed the production of these proteins, thereby influencing the animal’s size.
According to geneticist Mariana Nery, these findings provide compelling evidence that the NCAPG gene and its regulatory elements play a crucial role in driving cetaceans to attain massive sizes. The study’s analysis further confirms the evolutionary relationships among cetacean groups while highlighting convergent adaptations observed in species like the common minke whale and the sperm whale.
Notably, despite their large cell count, giant cetaceans exhibit a remarkably low incidence of cancer. This observation led researchers to investigate the potential role of regulatory regions in influencing cancer suppression mechanisms. Understanding these genetic factors could pave the way for novel approaches to cancer treatment by targeting specific genomic regions.
The study, published in BMC Ecology and Evolution, underscores the significance of non-coding sequences in coordinating gene expression and shaping evolutionary traits in cetaceans. By elucidating the genetic basis of size variation and cancer suppression in these marine mammals, the research opens new avenues for both evolutionary biology and medical science.
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Reference: https://www.sciencealert.com/the-genetic-secret-of-giant-ocean-creatures-is-finally-revealed
