New achievements in genomics research in the Nature Journal of Nanjing Normal University

Researchers from Nanjing Normal University and BGI Research Institute reported that they have drawn a high-quality genomic map of Baiji (baiji), thus revealing the low genetic variability of Baiji. Some new ideas about adaptation to aquatic life. Related results were published in the October 29 issue of "Nature Communications" (Nature Communications) magazine.

Distinguished professor Yang Yang of the School of Life Sciences of Nanjing Normal University and Dr. Jun Wang of the BGI Research Institute are co-corresponding authors of this paper. Professor Yang Guang's main research directions are the protection and management of animal genetic resources, molecular evolutionary biology and molecular ecology, endangered animal ecology and conservation biology.

Baiji dolphin, also known as the white-fin dolphin, Yangtze dolphins, is a freshwater whale dolphin, only produced in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Nicknamed the "Goddess of the Yangtze River" and "Panda in the Water". Baiji is one of the most famous aquatic resources protection species. Unfortunately, in recent decades, due to various extreme human pressures, this species has caused a catastrophic population collapse. Despite great efforts to protect the white dolphin, a recent international system survey conducted at the end of 2006 did not find any living white dolphin, leading the survey organizers to declare that the white dolphin has been functional. Extinct.

The Baiji dolphin is not only a symbol of aquatic protection. As a fully sequenced genome of the whale order, the Baiji dolphin has a unique evolutionary and phylogenetic background. Cetaceans (whales, white dolphins, and porpoises) represent 4% of mammalian diversity. They are adapted to long-term aquatic life and show unique and highly specialized characteristics, including the disappearance of hindlimbs, echolocation, respiratory organs and Cardiovascular anatomy and physiology changes, so it is different from other mammalian orders. In addition, paleontology, morphology, and molecular data indicate that cetaceans have a close relationship with Artiodactyla. About 50 million years ago, the ancestors of cetaceans evolved from land to sea and evolved into aquatic organisms. Therefore, obtaining sufficient genetic information from this group is essential for understanding the evolutionary history and various adaptations of cetaceans.

In this article, the researchers used Illumina short-read sequencing technology to re-sequence the Baiji dolphin genome and obtained a high-quality genome sketch. Comparative genomic analysis found that the molecular clock of cetaceans was slower than previously thought.

The researchers also revealed their molecular adaptation to the aquatic lifestyle. Some genes related to oxidoreductase activity, trivalent iron binding, metabolic processes and ATPase activity were found, confirming that these genes have undergone significant expansion. The genes associated with olfactory receptor activity are significantly reduced. The researchers believe that these genetic changes may be related to the basic physiological activities that are necessary for the underwater life of baiji, such as oxygen carrying and sensory abilities.

People have always used the echogenic localization of tooth cetaceans and bats as independent sources as a standard model to study convergence evolution. When identifying genes that show convergent evolution in baiji and bats, the researchers found that 9 genes, including SLC26A5, TMC1, and DFNB59 have undergone significant accelerated evolution, and 17 genes have paralleled in echolocation mammal Amino acid changes.

They also found that compared with all other mammalian genomes reported so far, the hybrid single nucleotide polymorphic sites (SNPs) in the Baiji genome are significantly lower. The history of the population evolution of the reconstructed baiji shows that a bottleneck period appeared at the end of the glacial disappearance period, which may be related to the sharp rise in temperature and sea level during this period.

This genome provides a valuable resource for further research on the biology and protection of mammals, especially cetaceans.

Red Coral Bracelet meaning

Coral has been called the 'garden of the sea'. It was once believed to be a plant, but is now known to actually contain living animals called polyps. Coral is the result of accumulated skeletal masses from these polyps. Red is considered the most sought after color but coral also can be found in pink, white, yellow and Black.

Records dating back thousands of years confirm that coral was used in decorative art objects. It was believed to prevent ill fortune and offer protection from skin disease when worn as a Necklace. Dreams about coral are believed to foretell recovery from a long illness. Ancients believed that Mars was composed of Red Coral.

Coral is a good aid for meditation or visualization.

Healing properties of coral

Coral symbolizes life and blood force energy. Dark red coral is used for heating and stimulating the bloodstream. Pink shades restore harmony to the heart. It is used as an aid to depression, lethargy or deficient nutrition.

Sources of coral

Locations where coral can be found include the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Australia, the South Pacific, the waters of Japan, and Africa.

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