A new study by University of Notre Dame biologist Michael Pfrender and a team of researchers from the University of Nevada-Reno, Utah State University and the University of Virginia suggests that snakes from different regions of the world have evolved a similar, remarkable resistance to a deadly neurotoxin.
The finding, which appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, greatly increases scientists' understanding of the genetic basis of adaptation and is a model for understanding the limits to adaptation and the degree to which evolutionary responses are predictable.
Pfrender and colleagues found that species of snakes in North, Central and South America and Asia that are able to feed on amphibians that secrete a deadly neurotoxic poison, tetrodotoxin or TTX. These snakes have similar mutations in a key sodium-channel gene that makes them highly resistant to TTX. These mutations prevent TTX from blocking the sodium channels in muscle, which would otherwise immobilize the snakes by paralyzing nervous and muscle tissue.
"The key finding is that adaptive evolution is constrained by the functional properties of the genes involved in these evolutionary responses," Pfrender said. "While there are many possible mutations that can improve fitness, in this case resistance to the neurotoxin TTX, many of these mutations have a cost because they change the normal function of the genes. So, when we look at multiple species that have independently adapted to TTX, we see a very similar, and limited, set of mutations involved. The story is one of repeated evolutionary change that occurs through a limited set of changes at the molecular level."
The study stems from Pfrender's interest in understanding how organisms deal with environmental change through adaptive evolution.
"We would like to know what the underlying genetic mechanisms are, and what the limits are to these adaptive responses," he said. "Ultimately, we would lik
'/>"/>
| Contact: Michael Pfrender Michael.Pfrender.1@nd.edu 574-631-0591 University of Notre Dame Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. New papers offer insights into process of malarial drug resistance
2. French scientist wins the Journal of Experimental Biology Outstanding Paper Prize
3. High school students paper published in prestigious college math journal
4. HSPD-24 White Paper Now Available From WCC Smart Search & Match
5. New paper offers key insights into how new species emerge
6. Researchers win award for best clinical paper in orthopedic physical therapy
7. GSA special paper presents new studies of Western US earth motion
8. Beetle shell inspires brilliant white paper
9. ADA releases updated position paper on vegetarian diets
10. ADA releases position paper on food and water safety
11. Lower-cost solar cells to be printed like newspaper, painted on rooftops
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |