Chimpanzee Genetic Adaptations Offer Insights into Malaria Resistance and Conservation Needs

Chimpanzees' Genetic Adaptations Reveal Insights into Malaria Resistance

Wild chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, exhibit remarkable genetic adaptations to their diverse habitats, including resistance to pathogens like malaria. A new study published in the journal Science analyzed genetic data from 388 chimpanzees across 18 African countries, revealing previously unknown genetic diversity shaped by local conditions.

The researchers found that forest-dwelling chimpanzees, compared to those in open habitats, showed significant changes in genes associated with disease resistance, including some linked to malaria adaptation in humans. This suggests a potential parallel adaptation to the malaria parasite in both species.

"In forest chimpanzees, we identify signatures of adaptation to pathogens, with the strongest signal being to malaria," said lead author Aida Andrés, an evolutionary geneticist at University College London. "We identify signatures of adaptation in two genes that are known to mediate resistance and adaptation to malaria in humans. This thus may represent a potential signal of parallel adaptation to the malaria parasite in the two species."

However, further studies are needed to confirm whether these genetic variations actually confer resistance to malaria in the wild. Additionally, the study found no evidence of genetic adaptation to malaria in woodland-savannah chimpanzees, possibly due to lower malaria pressure in these environments.

These findings have significant implications for chimpanzee conservation. As climate and land use change, different chimpanzee populations will be affected in distinct ways.

"While rainforest degradation is perhaps a danger mostly for forest chimpanzees, habitat changes that can increase malaria pressure are perhaps a danger mostly for woodland-savannah populations," Andrés explained.

The study highlights the importance of conserving chimpanzee genetic diversity, including their adaptive genetic diversity. This will not only protect existing populations but also preserve the species' ability to adapt to future environmental changes.