A team of researchers has successfully sequenced the genome of koalas after five years of study, bringing new hope to save the species from a deadly sexually transmitted disease.

The population of these animals has been threatened by chlamydia, dog attacks, abuse and habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization.


The koala genome was completely sequenced for the first time by a consortium of 54 scientists from all over the world, according to the study published Tuesday in the journal Nature Genetics

The Genome contains all the genetic information of an individual, including characteristics such as the size, hair and color of their eyes. Scientists have been able to sequence some 26,000 koala genes

Genome sequencing provides scientists with unique information about their biology, food, habitat, etc., and contributes to conservation efforts and disease control . long-term koalas, the researchers said.

Thus, they discovered a neutralizing enzyme in kolalas liver that allows them to survive a diet based on eucalyptus leaves, which are too toxic to most animals.

They also found groups of immune genes that could allow the study of chlamydia from which they suffer, of a different type than the one that affects humans.

These animals originating in Australia are classified as vulnerable because of declining population. It is estimated that there are currently 330,000 copies.