Navigation Links
Modern genetics vs. ancient frog-killing fungus
Date:10/14/2008

sms in the evolutionary tree.

"This fungus is strange and different, partly because it is so ancient," said Rosenblum. "One of the really amazing and wonderful things about this genetic technology is that we can take something we don't know anything about, sequence its whole genome, look at what each gene is doing in different life stages, and learn a tremendous amount about the organism."

Rosenblum and her team will continue their quest to stop Bd from killing off frog species in several ways. They currently are comparing active genes in Bd grown on frog skin to Bd grown in a test tube without exposure to keratin. Also, they plan to sequence genomes from different strains of Bd that kill less efficiently, or other, similar fungi that don't kill amphibians at all.

They also will study the parasite from the other side of the coin the frog's point of view. By comparing different species of frogs, some of which are not killed by Bd, they hope to discover what genes make different species more or less susceptible to the fungus.

"The strength of these studies is the collaboration of ecologists and disease biologists," said Rosenblum. "We are not just choosing one factor to study. Looking at absolutely every gene in the genome is now a financially and practically feasible thing to do."


'/>"/>

Contact: Ken Kingery
kkingery@uidaho.edu
208-885-9156
University of Idaho
Source:Eurekalert

2

GOOD

Page: 1 2 3

Related biology news :

1. Climate modelers see modern echo in 30s Dust Bowl
2. Using DNA, scientists hunt for the roots of the modern potato
3. The American Society of Human Genetics hosts 58th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia
4. American College of Medical Genetics receives $13.5M NIH contract
5. How do race, genetics and health-care disparities affect spread of HIV?
6. Genetics reveals big fish that almost got away
7. Study finds connections between genetics, brain activity and preference
8. The genetics of the white horse unraveled
9. The epigenetics of increasing weight through the generations
10. Sociological research shows combined impact of genetics, social factors on delinquency
11. Spradling receives Gruber Foundation Genetics Prize for new genetic techniques
Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email: