Genetically Unique: How Chernobyl’s Dogs Evolved Beyond Disaster-Driven Mutations

After examining the genomes of dogs residing near the Chornobyl catastrophe site, scholars from North Carolina State University and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health concluded that mutations induced by radiation presumably did not lead to genetic distinctions in dog populations living in Chornobyl City and the adjacent Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

With these results in the new study published in PLOS ONE, the research team aspires to gain deeper insights into how a nuclear catastrophe might affect species over time.

“We have been investigating two dog populations that, despite being only 16 kilometers apart, or roughly 10 miles, are genetically different,” stated Matthew Breen, co-author and Oscar J. Fletcher Distinguished Professor of Comparative Oncology Genetics at NC State, in a press release. “We aim to find out if long-term exposure to low levels of environmental toxins like radiation and lead could elucidate some of those variances.”

Analyzing Canine DNA

The research focused on the genomes of two populations of dogs living close to the Chornobyl disaster zone. Researchers noted a striking degree of genetic variation between these two groups, even though they resided in relatively close proximity.

In a prior study, the research team evaluated the genomes of over 300 dogs living in the Chornobyl area for genetic variants. They identified 391 outlier areas — regions of the genome that display variations compared to the rest — in particular dogs. The study indicated that these outlier regions encompassed genes typically linked to DNA repair.

With this latest research, the team aimed to ascertain whether these outliers could be a consequence of mutations stemming from the Chornobyl disaster fallout.

“Many individuals perceive the Chornobyl nuclear event as a radiological tragedy in a desolate part of Ukraine, yet the possible negative health consequences are far-reaching,” expressed Norman Kleiman, senior co-author and professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University School of Public Health, in a press release.

“This is due to numerous other toxins — such as heavy metals, lead particles, pesticides, and asbestos — being released into the environment throughout the extensive cleanup and remediation efforts over three decades,” explained Kleiman.

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Read More: Have Chernobyl Mutations Altered Evolution?

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Focusing on Mutations

The research team determined that the dogs inhabiting the Chornobyl City region exhibited genomes similar to those of dogs from other surrounding areas like Russia and Poland. Consequently, these dogs were utilized as the control group. The team then commenced analyzing the two groups at the chromosomal level before proceeding deeper into the genome intervals and ultimately searching for variances at single nucleotides.

Investigators were focusing on accumulated germline DNA mutations, or changes that arise in reproductive cells as DNA is inherited from one generation to the next.

“Consider it akin to employing the zoom feature on your smartphone camera for more details — we begin with a broad overview of a subject and then zoom in,” remarked Breen in a press release.

“We understand that, for instance, exposure to high levels of radiation can induce instability from the chromosomal level downward. Although this dog population is 30 or more generations removed from the one affected during the 1986 catastrophe, mutations could still be identifiable if they provided a survival benefit to those original dogs. However, we found no evidence supporting this in these dogs,” Breen elaborated.

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Read More: 5 Instances of the Most Devastating Human-Made Disasters in History

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Genes for Survival

Upon completing their analysis, the research team concluded that the Chornobyl dogs exhibited no evidence of genetic mutation. Nevertheless, it’s also plausible that selective pressures — environmental variables affecting reproduction — may have contributed to the genetic differences of these two dog populations.

“In human comparable terms, this would be similar to studying a population that is centuries distanced from that which existed during the time of the disaster,” noted Megan Dillon, PhD candidate at NC State and primary author of the study, in a press release.

“It is feasible that the dogs that persevered long enough to reproduce already possessed genetic characteristics that enhanced their survival capability. Thus, possibly, there was significant selective pressure at the outset, and subsequently, the dogs at the power plant remained isolated from the city population. Exploring this query is a crucial next step that we are currently endeavoring,” Dillon remarked.

The research team is utilizing these insights to deepen their understanding of how significant environmental alterations, such as nuclear disasters, can impact the health of both humans and their animal companions over time.

“As it is assured, given our advancing technological and industrial societies, there will inevitably be future occurrences of such disasters, and we must grasp the potential health hazards and the best ways to safeguard the population,” said Kleiman in a press release.

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Article Sources

Our contributors at Discovermagazine.com utilize peer-reviewed research and reliable sources for our articles, with our editors ensuring scientific precision and editorial standards. Examine the sources referenced below for this article:

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Monica Cull, a graduate of UW-Whitewater, contributed to various organizations, including one focused on bees and the natural world, prior to joining Discover Magazine. Her current work is also visible on her travel blog and Common State Magazine. Her fascination with science was ignited by watching PBS programs as a child with her mother and spending excessive time binging Doctor Who.