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Australian researchers successfully map genome of nearly extinct Southern Corroboree Frog

Canberra, May 1 (UNI) In a scientific breakthrough, Australian scientists have successfully mapped the complete genome of the Southern Corroboree Frog – one of the country’s most threatened amphibians – offering new hope for its preservation, studies revealed.
Dr Tiffany Kosch, lead author of the paper published in Wellcome Open Research, University of Melbourne, announced the breakthrough, and said that the research has taken almost a decade and is one of the highest-quality frog genomes ever produced.
“This is the first time the genome of this species has been sequenced, and it was not easy due to its enormous size. We discovered that Southern Corroboree Frogs have remarkably large genomes—more than three times the size of the human genome,” Dr Kosch said.
“Interestingly, we also found that more than 80% of its genome is made up of non-coding DNA—genetic material that doesn’t directly code for proteins. We’re still exploring what this might mean for the species, and for other amphibians.”
The species is said to be over 100 million years old.
Using this new-found discovery, researchers now aim to use this genomic data to breed disease-resistant frogs for eventual reintroduction into their native habitat, and apply the findings to support other amphibians threatened by chytridiomycosis, an infectious, deadly fungal disease.
“Mapping the genome is the critical first step in our ultimate goal to restore this unique and visually striking species to its natural place in the ecosystem. The genome allows us to understand which genes increase or decrease susceptibility to the chytrid disease.
“Our focus now turns to using what we have learned to selectively breed frogs that are resistant to chytrid fungus and able to not only survive but thrive naturally in the environment, without ongoing human intervention.”
Mapping the Southern Corroboree Frog genome also has implications for conservation strategies for other amphibians threatened by chytridiomycosis.
“We plan to compare the genome with those of other amphibians to uncover broader patterns of resilience and improve the viability of other at-risk species,” Dr Kosch said.
Taking her studies further, Kosch’s new research – made possible by the genome – aims to explore and understand the species’ susceptibility to the chytrid fungus disease.
“We are trialling methods such as selective breeding and genetic engineering of the frogs to hopefully increase their resistance. So that’s going to be our work for the next five to 10 years,” she said.
“The hope is that work with the southern corroboree frog could be used as a proof-of-concept for other frogs threatened by the chytrid fungus, and potentially other species threatened by climate change. The genome is really just the first step in helping us get there.”
The study was a collaborative effort involving researchers and leading global experts in genome sequencing, including the Vertebrate Genomes Project at Rockefeller University, USA, and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

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