NYC Gazette

Carla Hoge, a researcher at Columbia University, recently published a groundbreaking research article in the journal Science, shedding light on the intricate process of genetic recombination in snakes and its implications for other species. In an interview with Columbia News, Hoge discussed the significance of her findings, stating, "The main takeaway from our paper is that we thought these two starting points for recombination were mutually exclusive, but what we actually found is that corn snakes use both, and there’s a very good chance that other vertebrates do, too."

Genetic recombination, the process of reshuffling genetic material during the formation of sperm and egg cells, is a crucial mechanism for creating genetic diversity. Hoge explained, "Recombination is interesting because once it happens, the chromosomes are no longer identical to the parent’s chromosomes." This process plays a vital role in ensuring the proper distribution of chromosomes into egg or sperm cells.

Hoge's research focused on the protein PRDM9, which plays a key role in mediating recombination in many mammalian species. However, in snakes, the study revealed that recombination occurs at two separate sites on the chromosomes, challenging previous assumptions about the process. Hoge emphasized the evolutionary significance of these findings, noting that recombination is evolving quickly in different ways across species.

Speaking about her research journey, Hoge shared, "Before I joined Professor Molly Przeworski’s lab, they had put out a paper on the evolution of PRDM9." She highlighted the importance of studying snakes as a representative vertebrate species to gain insights that could apply to other organisms.

As Hoge continues to delve into the complexities of genetic shuffling, her work not only advances our understanding of snake genetics but also provides valuable insights into the broader field of evolutionary biology.