Gila monster genome featured on Arizona PBS

Feb 28, 2019

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Gila monster genome featured on Arizona PBSHi Everyone,
We're doing the deep troubleshooting of making sure that what we think we see is actually what we see, in the DNA. We're searching through the haystack of DNA from three males and three females to see if we can find the sex chromosomes. 
As a reminder, Gila monster sex chromosomes are just the opposite of ours. It is the females who have two different shaped sex chromosomes (like genetic males in humans), so it is the egg that determines the sex of the offspring, not the sperm (just the opposite of humans!). 
We are very lucky that Dr. Dale DeNardo and I were featured in an Arizona PBS show: Catalyst: Gila monster genomes last night. And Arizona PBS has made the link available for us to share with you all! 
 https://azpbs.org/catalyst/2019/02/catalyst-gila-monster-genomes/ 
Best,
Melissa
 

Gloria, Denny, and 2 others like this.

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Ephrance Peninah KalungiResearcher

Amazing, Congratulations WilsonSayres Lab!

Mar 04, 20191

About This Project

Gila monster genomics: conservation, venom, and treatments for Type-II diabetes

Arizona State University

The Gila monster, with its distinctive black and orange pattern, is one of Arizona’s most iconic animals. A peptide from its saliva has inspired treatments for diabetes, but Gila monsters are currently threatened by habitat destruction and poaching. Surprisingly there is no Gila monster genome. By sequencing and analyzing Gila monster DNA, we will contribute critical knowledge and resources for the study of Gila monster venom in medical genetics and for their conservation.