Nature’s evolutionary arms race between animals and pathogens takes an unexpected turn. Researchers studying a gene in wild mice linked to bleeding time have discovered it also offers resistance to a newly identified bacterial threat. This finding highlights the complex interplay between genes, diseases, and evolution, and offers a new approach for identifying emerging diseases in wildlife.
The Balancing Act of Evolution
Infectious diseases are a constant evolutionary pressure, driving changes in the genes of animals over time. One sign of this pressure is “balancing selection,” where different versions (alleles) of a gene offer both advantages and disadvantages.
B4galnt2: A Gene with Two Faces
The study focuses on a gene called B4galnt2 in house mice. This gene has two main versions:
- Intestine Version: This version is linked to normal blood clotting and is found in the gut, potentially influencing gut bacteria.
- Blood Vessel Version: This version, surprisingly, leads to prolonged bleeding times, similar to a human blood clotting disorder.
A Million-Year Mystery: Why the Bleeding Version Persists?
Despite the bleeding risk, the blood vessel version of B4galnt2 has persisted in some mice for millions of years. Scientists believed there must be a hidden benefit to balance out the bleeding risk.
A New Approach: “Pathometagenomics”
The researchers developed a novel approach called “pathometagenomics” to find the hidden benefit:
- Wild Mouse Gut Analysis: They studied the gut bacteria of wild mice with different B4galnt2 versions, combined with examining gut tissue under a microscope.
- Isolating a New Pathogen: This analysis led to the identification of a new subspecies of Morganella morganii bacteria, potentially more harmful to mice with the intestine version of B4galnt2.
- Lab Experiments Confirm Resistance: Further studies in lab mice confirmed that mice with the blood vessel version were more resistant to this newly discovered Morganella strain.
A Potential Boon for Public Health
This research offers valuable insights for human health:
- Zoonotic Diseases: Morganella morganii can also infect humans, highlighting the potential risk of similar “hidden” pathogens in wildlife.
- Early Detection: The pathometagenomic approach could be used to identify emerging diseases in wild animals before they spill over to humans.
Unraveling the Secrets of Evolution
The study not only sheds light on the complex interplay between genes and diseases, but also offers a new approach for safeguarding public health:
- Understanding Balancing Selection: By studying balancing selection in genes like B4galnt2, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how evolution shapes resistance to disease.
- Protecting Human Health: Early detection of emerging diseases in wildlife populations can help prevent future outbreaks in humans.
This research on B4galnt2 in mice provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricate dance between genes, pathogens, and evolution. It also paves the way for a new approach to protecting public health by identifying potential threats before they become widespread.