Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/42856

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Title
Genome analysis of the platypus reveals unique signatures of evolution
Author/Creator
Warren, Wesley C.;  Hillier, LaDeana W.;  Jones, Russell C.;  Nixon, Brett;  Birney, Ewan;  Ponting, Chris P.;  Grützner, Frank;  Belov, Katherine;  Miller, Webb;  Clarke, Laura;  Chinwalla, Asif T.
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Science & Information Technology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Description
We present a draft genome sequence of the platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus. This monotreme exhibits a fascinating combination of reptilian and mammalian characters. For example, platypuses have a coat of fur adapted to an aquatic lifestyle; platypus females lactate, yet lay eggs; and males are equipped with venomsimilar to that of reptiles. Analysis of the first monotreme genome aligned these features with genetic innovations. We find that reptile and platypus venom proteins have been co-opted independently from the same gene families; milk protein genes are conserved despite platypuses laying eggs; and immune gene family expansions are directly related to platypus biology. Expansions of protein, non-protein-coding RNA and microRNA families, as well as repeat elements, are identified. Sequencing of this genome now provides a valuable resource for deep mammalian comparative analyses, as well as for monotreme biology and conservation.
Relation
Nature Vol. 453, Issue 7192, p. 175-184
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature06936
Date
2008
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Keyword(s)
monotremes;  vertebrate evolution;  small nucleolar RNAs;  DNA sequences
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/42856
Identifier
ISSN:0028-0836
Reviewed
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Subject
"Nature"
 
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