Scientists at UCL examined DNA from human’s closest relative chimpanzees to make a significant finding in relation to how their bodies have adapted to resist the ravages of malaria – one of the world’s biggest killers
Chimps have genetically adapted to avoid one of the biggest killer diseases plaguing humanity, scientists believe.
The endangered ape species – which are humans’ closest genetic relative – appear to have evolved to resist malaria, a deadly disease spread through mosquitoes which kills hundreds of thousands around the world every year. The new study, carried out by a team at University College London (UCL) and published in the journal Science, used DNA from the primates through poo samples.
The research found evidence in their genes linked to malaria pathogens, finding evidence of mutation. The team analysed the exomes – the protein-coding part of the genome – from 828 wild chimpanzees, 388 of which were included in the final analysis, representing 30 different chimp populations from the four chimpanzee subspecies.
Chimps currently face severe threats from climate change, deforestation and poaching, with only 170-300,000 thought to be remaining on Earth. Most live in rainforests in West and Central Africa, but are known for their elusive nature. The species are some of our closest relatives, sharing 98% of their DNA with humans.
Scientists say the study’s findings could shed further light about our own evolutionary history. Lead author Professor Aida Andres, a geneticist at UCL, said: “There are just a few hundred thousand chimpanzees alive, but they are found across very different landscapes from east Africa to the far west of the continent, including dense tropical rainforests and open areas of woodland and savannah.
“This makes them quite unique, because except for humans, all other apes live exclusively in forests. We have shown that besides acquiring behavioural adaptations, different chimpanzee populations have evolved genetic differences to survive in their different local habitats.
“As chimpanzees are facing threats across their range, including environmental changes to the climate and displacement due to human pressures, it is important that their genetic diversity is conserved to maintain their resilience and ensure the long-term survival of this intelligent and fascinating species.”
To avoid disturbing the chimps used for the study, rsearchers used faecal samples that were collected as part of the Pan African Programme: The Cultured Chimpanzee (PanAf). The samples were then analysed using state-of-the-art lab technology and computers. It’s the largest genetic study of mammals to date.
Two genes discovered in the chimps’ samples, which are also found in human DNA and are linked to adaptation and resistance to malaria and sickle cell anaemia in humans. The findings suggest that malaria is likely a “significant” disease for wild forest chimpanzees and that adaptation to the malaria parasite has happened, independently, through changes in the very same genes in chimps and humans.
Study first author Dr Harrison Ostridge, also of UCL, said: “The close genetic similarities between the great apes have resulted in diseases jumping from apes to humans, such as with malaria and HIV/AIDS, so studying wild chimpanzees is extremely useful to understand these and other shared infectious diseases in humans, and could help to develop new treatments or vaccines.
Malaria continues to be one of the biggest killers of children in parts of the world with hot and tropical climates. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 597,000 died from the illness, with 263million cases globally.