Blind,
Hungry, and Mutated
One
of the most fascinating, yet terrifying, aspects of Biology is mutations and
how they impact the functions of specific genes and proteins. On March
21, 2018, The International Journal of Science discussed a unique mutation that
occurs in the genes of Mexican cavefish. The author of the article
revealed the amazing benefit that has come to these fish from their inherited
mutation. These peculiar cavefish live on a skimpy diet and endure
prolonged food shortages. To survive their state of starvation, they must
eat every last drop of food that enters their caves. From research and
study, a surprising outcome revealed another way these fish
survive.
The question regarding cavefish genes arose when a
comparison was made between the Mexican cavefish and their neighboring fish
that live in the rivers above ground.
The comparison revealed the length of the different fish’s lives; the
cavefish live just as long as the fish above ground, even though the cavefish
are in a state of starvation. The
article gave the names of the scientists that discovered the genetic
mutation. Nicolas Rohner of Stowers
Institute for Medical Research, Clifford Tabin of Harvard Medical School, and
colleagues found that the mutated genes were directly linked to high blood-sugar
levels. Through many lab experiments,
the scientists showed how the cavefish gained twice as much weight as the river
fish while on identical diets.
This article was very interesting to me because it
discussed the benefits that mutations can have on different species. I chose to read and blog on this article,
versus other interesting articles, because of the direct correlation it has
with humans. The Mexican cavefish were
able to survive in a terrible living environment because of their high
blood-sugar levels. High blood sugar and
excess body fat in humans increase the likelihood of diabetes, while the
cavefish had no signs of diabetes.
Scientists are discussing the possibility of using the resistance to
diabetes in these fish as a model for humans.
If humans could overcome this disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle,
many people would be able to live better and more productive lives. The phenomenon of blind and hungry cavefish
surviving their environment can benefit not only science but the human race.
Reference
Nature
News (2018). Blind and hungry cavefish reveal survival secrets in their genes. Nature: International Journal of Science. Retrieved
from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-03737-w
~SL
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