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 Scientists on Thursday unveiled an upgraded version of the gorilla
genome based on DNA from Susie, an 11-year-old Western lowland
gorilla at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, that fills in many
gaps present in the first gorilla genetic map published in 2012.
The new research revealed that gorillas and humans are slightly more
closely related genetically than previously recognized, with the
genomes diverging by just 1.6 percent. Only chimpanzees and bonobos
are more closely related to humans.
The new genome shows that some areas of genetic differences include:
the immune and reproductive systems; sensory perception; the
production of keratin, a key protein in the structure of hair,
fingernails and skin; and the regulation of insulin, the hormone
that governs blood sugar levels.
 "The differences between species may aid researchers in identifying
regions of the human genome that are associated with higher
cognition, complex language, behavior and neurological diseases,"
said University of Washington genetic researcher Christopher Hill,
one of the lead authors of the study published in the journal
Science.
"Having complete and accurate reference genomes to compare allows
researchers to uncover these differences," Hill added.
The University of Washington lab that spearheaded the study is
working to create a comprehensive catalog of genetic differences
between humans and the great apes: gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees
and bonobos.
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Recent studies have estimated that the gorilla and human
evolutionary lineages split about 12 million to 8.5 million years
ago, Hill said.
Gorillas, typically found in lowland and mountain tropical
rainforests in central Africa, are the world's largest primates, the
mammalian group that includes lemurs, monkeys, apes and humans.
Adult males reach up to about 440 pounds (200 kg).
Gorillas spend about half their time munching on stems, bamboo
shoots and a number of fruits. Their populations are threatened by
human activities such as habitat destruction and poaching for
bushmeat.
A blood sample from Susie while the gorilla previously lived at
Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo provided the basis for the genome
sequencing.
(Reporting by Will Dunham; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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