Scientists have discovered a super enzyme that affects testosterone levels in bats. Males of this type of bird are proud of the unique breeding strategy of the animal kingdom. The discovery may also help some people in the future.
The bat (Calidris pugnax) was once common in Central Europe, but now it is found in Poland mainly during spring and autumn flights. This species is characterized by clear gender differences. Females are small brown and males have rich plums, which are different for each individual.
It is interesting that the shape of the plum differs from the role of the bird during mating. Territorially dominant males, with dark mating coats and feathered ruffs, occupy a portion of the lek and defend it fiercely. Brightly feathered but still imposing, the moon men roam peacefully between territories. A third type of male “pretends” to be a female color – these birds take advantage of the chaos to enter the territory of dominant males and steal their partners.
Superenzyme in medicine
Male ruffs have long puzzled biologists—how did one species develop three different breeding strategies that all allowed them to pass on their genes? According to research published in the journal Science, this diversity is the result of a superenzyme.
The researchers analyzed testosterone levels in all three “types” of males – the highest in territorial birds and slightly lower in other animals. Men with low testosterone levels had higher levels of the enzyme HSD17B2, which speeds up the breakdown of the hormone into the less effective androstenedione. Changes associated with low testosterone levels are visible throughout the bird’s body, except for the ovaries – thus males retain their ability to reproduce. Which breeding strategy the bird uses depends on the gene identified by the study.
Co-author David Lank of Simon Fraser University in Canada explained: “This species is crazy, it has three types of strange, behaving males.” – The article explains a lot about the genetic and physiological processes that affect the development of certain species, – he added.
As the researchers explained, genes encoding enzymes similar to HSD17B2 may also be useful for humans in the future.
– HSD17B2 is characterized by high efficiency of converting testosterone to androstenedione. It would likely be useful in treating people who suffer from excessive testosterone levels, Lank added.
Territorial battalion of men and women Shutterstock
Simon Fraser University, I’m on a bird
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