CHO cells (from the Chinese hamster ovary) are one of the most widely used cell lines in biotechnology because they glycosylate human proteins well and are very safe to culture. For this reason, they are currently used to produce most biological medicines, such as antibodies and hormones. The first article where the genome is assembled…
Genomic interest areas: Drug production
Golden/Syrian hamster
Mesocricetus auratus is a key model in biomedical research. Its genome closely resembles that of humans in genes related to diseases such as COVID-19. When infected with SARS-CoV-2, it reduces energy consumption and body temperature, reproducing human symptoms and helping to understand how the virus affects metabolism. Authors: Carme Cañizares Bruguera, Xiomara García Marcos, Lorena…
Komodo dragon
Varanus komodoensis, the Komodo dragon, is the largest living lizard, capable of taking down prey much larger than itself. Its genome reveals adaptations for a powerful cardiovascular system, heightened metabolism, and a robust immune response, resembling traits typically seen in mammals. DOI: 10.1038/s41559-019-0945-8 Author: Asier Otal
Bacillus subtilis
Bacillus subtilis is the best-characterized member of the Gram-positive bacteria. This bacteria and its close relatives are an important source of industrial enzymes (such as amylases and proteases), and much of the commercial interest in these bacteria arises from their capacity to secrete these enzymes at gram per litre concentrations. B. subtilis (natto) is also…
Crab-eating macaque
Macaca fascicularis, the crab-eating macaque, has the ability to use tools, such as stones, to open oysters and crabs—hence its name. https://doi.org/10.1186/gb-2012-13-7-r58. Oct/16/2011 Authors: Alison Cegarra Saravia, Beatriz María Gallardo Aguilar, Andrés Hervás Gómez
Urinary blood fluke
Urinary schistosomiasis has afflicted humans for over 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptian papyri record “bloody urine” (parasite eggs were found in mummies dating to 1250–1000 BC) and in 1798 Napoleon’s soldiers dubbed Egypt “the land of menstruating men” due to widespread haematuria. 10.1038/ng.1065 Author: Oscar Gonzalo Figueredo
Whitespotted bambooshark
Chiloscyllium plagiosum, the whitespotted bambooshark, is a nocturnal reef-dwelling and small species (with a length of 24-37 inches). Its genome size is larger than a whale shark. Zhang Y, Gao H, Li H, Guo J, Ouyang B, Wang M, et al. (November 2020). “The White-Spotted Bamboo Shark Genome Reveals Chromosome Rearrangements and Fast-Evolving Immune Genes…
Atlantic horseshoe crab
Limulus polyphemus, the Atlantic horseshoe crab, is a marine arthropod considered a “living fossil” extending back approximately 450 million years. The blood color is blue due to the presence of hemocyanin and contains amoebocytes, used to detect toxins. Its genome presents specific duplications of genes related to innate immunity. https://doi.org/10.1186/2047-217X-3-9, 05/14/2014 Author: Guillem Dachs Margarit
Myxococcus xanthus
Myxococcus xanthus is a social eubacterial predator that exhibits various forms of self-organizing behavior in response to environmental cues. Its genome offers unparalleled access to a regulatory network that controls development and that organizes cell movement on surfaces. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0607335103 (December/19/2006) Author: Carolina Doñate Alarcón
Rose gum
Eucalyptus grandis, commonly known as the rose gum or flooded gum, is one of the fastest-growing tree species, capable of reaching heights of up to 60 meters in optimal conditions. Its genome reveals adaptations for rapid growth, efficient water usage, and tolerance to diverse environmental conditions, while also highlighting its importance in bioenergy and challenges…