Genome Study Reveals 'Extreme Adaptation' in Burmese Pythons [Video]

A latest study on snake genome shows that Burmese pythons have evolved rapidly to increase metabolism and organ mass, which helps them digest large preys.

Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are huge; growing more than 23 feet (7 meters). They can even munch down an alligator. A new study that looked at the snakes' genome has found that rapid adaptation and changes in the way some genes work have helped the constrictor swallow animals that are as huge as its body.

The study was conducted by the University of Texas at Arlington researchers and their colleagues.

Burmese python is an example of extreme "physiological remodeling," researchers said. These creatures can completely revamp their internal structure; increase mass of organs and pump-up metabolism to digest a meal. Researchers found that the snakes can increase mass of organs such as heart, liver and small intestine by as much as "35 percent to 150 percent in only 24 to 48 hours."

For their study, researchers looked at over 7,400 genes from python and king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah). Researchers used "branch site codon modeling" to sift out genes that had been changed due to natural selection in cobra, python and their common ancestor. They found that there were hundreds of genes that had evolved to suit the snake's lifestyle.

Snakes' evolution has been marvellous. They lost their limbs, one of their lungs, elongated their bodies and even found a way to produce venom.

The team found that contrary to popular assumption, reptiles have one of the fastest evolving genomes among vertebrates.

The study is the first one to map out snake genomes. Researchers also challenge the idea that physical difference among vertebrate species is a result of changes in gene activity. Instead, the team says that adaptating proteins, changes in gene activity and complete remodelling of the entire genome have enabled snakes to become mean killing machines and help them achieve feats that no other vertebrate has ever achieved.

"One of the fundamental questions of evolutionary biology is how vertebrates with all the same genes display such vastly different characteristics. The Burmese python is a great way to study that because it is so extreme," Todd Castoe, an assistant professor of biology at The University of Texas at Arlington College of Science, lead author of the study, said in a news release.

Understanding how snakes have evolved to increase mass of organs and metabolism could help treat many human diseases.

"The Burmese python has an amazing physiology. With its genome in hand, we can now explore the many untapped molecular mechanisms it uses to dramatically increase metabolic rate, to shut down acid production, to improve intestinal function, and to rapidly increase the size of its heart, intestine, pancreas, liver and kidneys," said Stephen Secor, associate professor of biological sciences at the University of Alabama and a co-author on the paper. "The benefits of these discoveries transcends to the treatment of metabolic diseases, ulcers, intestinal malabsorption, Crohn's disease, cardiac hypertrophy and the loss of organ performance."

The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.                                   

Giant Burmese pythons are quite docile and a popular choice among people wanting to keep exotic pets.

Recently, a 19-foot-long Burmese python was caught by Jason Leon in Florida. Check a video about his fight with the largest snake in the state, here.