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: Model species
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…
Egyptian spiny mouse
Acomys cahirinus, known as Egyptian spiny mouse, is remarkable for its ability to heal tissues, regenerate organs and restore skeletal muscle. In addition, it is one of the few rodent species that menstruates, a highly unusual trait in this group. DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkad177 Publication date: 08/08/2023 Authors: Ainhoa Llambies Roig, Naila Lorente Gil, Noelia Bellón izquierdo,…
Capybara
Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, the capybara, is the largest living rodent and is highly social, often found in groups near water bodies in South America. Its genome reveals adaptations to a semi-aquatic lifestyle and unique mechanisms of cancer resistance despite its large body size. DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa157 Author: Amelie
Mexican Wolf
Canis lupus baileyi, the Mexican gray wolf, is the smallest subspecies of the gray wolf, known for its mottled coat, social pack behavior, and role as a top predator in its ecosystem. Its genome reveals low genetic diversity due to a severe population bottleneck, but also contains unique adaptations that reflect its historical range and…
Mandarin duck
Aix galericulata is a perching duck species. This means it is adapted to roost and nest in trees, especially in wooded wetlands. It is known for its strong sexual dimorphism, with males displaying brightly colored plumage during the breeding season. It is a model species for studying mating behavior and habitat adaptation in waterfowl. Author:…
Giant manta
The Mobula birostris is the largest species of ray in the world, reaching up to 7 meters wide—yet it feeds on tiny plankton filtered through its gills! These gentle giants can even leap out of the water, a behavior scientists still don’t fully understand. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03451-0 Author: Anna Landabaso
Y. lipolytica
Yarrowia lipolytica is a dimorphic yeast. This means we can find it in its yeast form or a filamentous form. It’s a model organism for its genus and it has a very high resilience to extreme environmental conditions. DOI: 10.1038/nature02579 (Jul 01, 2004) Author: Rita Chacón Sahún
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…
Staphylococcus aureus
The name Staphylococcus originates from Greek terms (staphyle and kokkos) which literally translate as a bunch of grapes. https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jb.187.7.2426-2438.2005 Authors: Julia Bächtold Agustí, Silvia Delgado Blanco, Ainhoa Pellejero Valle