The amazing gibbon genome

Gibbons (Hominoidea) are well known for their amazing dexterity and agility whilst swinging through trees in the forest canopy; now new research analysis of the gibbon genome has shed some light on how these apes achieve this feat.
A team of scientists from the Oregon health and science university did a study of the gibbon genome and showed that unlike genomes of other species related to them, gibbons have very reshuffled DNA with far more chromosome pairs having between 38 to 52 pairs compared to 23 in humans and 24 with chimps and orangutans. This type of genetic reshuffling would cause cancer in humans but causes the gibbons no harm and appears to have benefited them.

The scientists found that the genre that contained gibbons divulged four million years ago at a time when major ecological changes were taking place within forest environments; opening up new niches for a new species to develop in. They also discovered a DNA sequence which is unique to the gibbon species; this sequence called LAVA inserts itself into genes that helps to separate chromosomes when they divide which may have played a huge part in causing the errors that helped to cause the genetic reshuffling seen in the gibbon species.
Lastly the team found that genes that are involved with bone and cartilage development evolved faster in gibbons which may help to explain why they have such long arms with powerful muscles for swinging through the trees.

This study is interesting not just because it shows again how well nature can evolve and adapt to the changing environment we experience here on earth but also because it may hold a interesting insight into how the human genome operates by further researching how DNA reshuffling does not effect gibbons but causes cancers in humans and may therefore help with further understanding and preventing cancers.
To view the original article click here.
What do you guys think about the article? Do you think that it may help to researchers having a better understanding of cancers? Please feel free to add your comment below.