NATIONAL BRIEFING: Platypus genome secrets revealed

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Thursday 8 May 2008 (Updated 2pm Sat 10 May 2008)

Global embargo liftged at 3am AEST on Thu 8 May 2008

MEDIA BRIEFING: Platypus genome secrets revealed - Nature Landmark research uncovers new clues to our own genetic blueprint

Resource Page | Media Briefing | Rapid Roundup

Ever since its discovery, people have been fascinated by the platypus – an egg-laying mammal with a bill like a duck, producing milk like a cow and with venom like a snake. On Thursday 8 May, its fascinating genome is to be published in Nature as an international team of over 100 researchers, including 26 from Australia, report their findings. Platypus photo courtesy of Ian Elton, Healesville Sanctuary

For Australia this is of particular significance, as the platypus is the first Australian animal to be sequenced. However, it is the platypus’s ancient links with birds and reptiles that has generated worldwide interest in the platypus genome and what it reveals about our own genetic origins.

The platypus genome represents a vital missing link, offering the power to discover new genes, to determine how the genomes of humans and other mammals have evolved, and how they function. By comparing the human and platypus genomes, scientists can work out which genes have been conserved best through evolution. The longer a gene has lasted through time, the more likely it is to have an important biological role. So the platypus genome will help scientists to focus on important parts of our own DNA.

BRIEFING DETAILS:
DATE: Thu 8 May 2008
START TIME: 10.45am AEST
VENUE: Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria
DURATION: Approx 60 min

Questions discussed at the briefing included:
- What surprises have come from the platypus genome?
- Why spend millions of dollars on such an exotic animal?
- What practical benefits will come out of this project?
- What does this mean for the future of genomics in Australia? - is this a coup for Australia?
- How is the genome sequencing important for platypus conservation?

Platypus keeper Ian Elton was also in attendance and was able to show assembled media Millsom, a five year old male platypus.

PRESENTERS WERE:

	Professor Jenny Graves, Research School of Biological Sciences at Australian National University, Canberra and Director of the ARC Centre for Excellence for Kangaroo Genomics.
	Professor Peter Temple-Smith, The University of Melbourne and the Monash Institute of Medical Research.
	Dr Kathy Belov, Faculty of Veterinary Science at The University of Sydney.
	Professor Marilyn Renfree, Department of Zoology at The University of Melbourne.
	Dr Frank Grützner, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science at The University of Adelaide.

To watch a replay of the briefing click here.

For further resources on the platypus, check out our platypus genome resource page

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