Body Temperature Predicts Maximum Microsatellite Length In Mammals

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Veterinary
Article Date: 04 Jun 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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With the publication of more and more full genome sequences, the opportunity arises to learn about how evolution impacts on regions that were previously viewed as junk.

We have studied a group of sequences that vary greatly in length and used widely as markers to study, among other things, human disease.

We find an intriguing pattern where maximum length is greatest in mammals with the lowest body temperatures.

Our results suggest that, even though the warmest and coldest mammals differ only by about 10 degrees C, this is enough to create a marked impact on the way their genes evolve.

Royal Society journal Biology Letters

Biology Letters publishes short, innovative and cutting-edge research articles and opinion pieces accessible to scientists from across the biological sciences. The journal is characterised by stringent peer-review, rapid publication and broad dissemination of succinct high-quality research communications.

www.publishing.royalsociety.org/biologyletters

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