Pandas have long confused biologists because they have a digestive system that is similar to that of carnivores, but the bear species usually relies on bamboo – a grass – for food.
Bucking Evolutionary Trends, Gigantic Pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are one of the only a few examples of a species that turned off its carnivorous origin to become almost completely herbivore.
Other bears – such as Grizzly and Black Bears – are well -known omnipresent omnivoren, while polar bears are almost exclusively carnivores.
Pandas also have the gastrointestinal tract of a carnivore. So why do they continue to exist on bamboo?
New research published in the magazine Frontiers in the veterinarians suggests that the answer can be found in the RNA of Bamboo.
DNA codes for the genetic information of organisms in the cell. RNA transfers and transfers this information. Microrna (Mirna) are small segments that play an important role in gene expression.
The authors of the study investigated whether the Mirna of Bamboo could have entered the bloodstream of the ancestors of the gigantic Panda and regulated gene expression to ensure that the line adapts to a bamboo -based diet.
To test this theory, the microbiologists took blood samples of 7 gigantic pandas to see if bamboo Mirna was present.
“We have shown that plants are present in the blood of gigantic pandas,” says senior author Feng Li, a researcher at China West Normal University. “Our study proved that bamboo was used as food for giant pandas, the change in the dietary habits of gigantic pandas influences.”
They found 57 Mirna’s probably derived from bamboo.
“Mirna in bamboo can enter the bodies of gigantic pandas through diet, are absorbed by the intestine, enter the blood circulation and then regulate when the RNA of the gigantic panda provides information transfer, so that a role is played in regulating the gensexpression of giant pandas,” explains Li.
The Mirna’s can regulate growth and development, biological rhythms, behavior and immune reactions in the pandas.
“Mirna in Bamboo is also involved in the regulation of odor, taste and dopamine paths of gigantic pandas, all related to their dietary habits,” says Li.
The researchers believe that certain Mirna’s accumulate as the pandas grow and change gene expression. These Mirna’s can also influence the sense of smell of gigantic pandas, allowing them to choose the freshest and most nutritious pieces of bamboo plants.
“Only Mirna’s who can play a specific role in regulating gene expression can stay in the body, and those who play no role will be deported,” says Li. For example, some Mirna’s regulate reproductive processes and can only be found in the blood of pandas of a certain gender or age.
The researchers say that Mirna transfer from plants to animals can open doors to study the treatment and prevention of animal diseases.
It can also help to assess and improve the safety of vegetable foods for animals and people. But more research is needed to assess the plausibility of these applications.
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