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An international research team involving the University of Münster has decoded the complete genome of the marsupial mole for the first time. The results shed new light on the evolution of this rare desert creature. The ancestors of the Australian marsupial mole conquered their subterranean niche around 60 million years ago. Over time, their unused eyes, for example, became unnecessary - and were eventually ‘abolished’. The study has been published in the journal Science Advances.
"Eyes closed and carry on" might have been the motto of the ancestors of Australian marsupial moles around 60 million years ago as they conquered their new subterranean niche. Over time, their unused eyes simply became unnecessary and were eventually "abolished." This adaptation of the marsupial mole is one of the findings of an international research team that has deciphered the complete genome of this rare desert creature for the first time. The results, published in the scientific journal Science Advances, shed new light on the evolution of the marsupial mole. Researchers from the University of Münster were also involved in the decoding: Dr. Jürgen Schmitz, Dr. Liliya Doronina, and Raphael Steffen from the Institute of Experimental Pathology at the University of Münster focused on the question of the closest relatives of the marsupial mole. Their analyses show that the animal is more closely related to bandicoots and bilbies (Peramelemorphia) than to other marsupials - a result that largely contradicts previous research.
Marsupial moles, which have existed in their current form for about 60 million years, are masters of adaptation and, in terms of gene function, are also interesting for medical research. They live predominantly underground in the deserts of Australia and have developed their way of life independently of moles on other continents. "This animal is unique in many ways," explains Dr. Schmitz. "Until now, we had hardly any genetic material available to understand its evolution and biology. But with the decoded genome, this changes now." One key finding of the analysis, led by Stephen Frankenberg and Andrew Pask from the University of Melbourne, concerns the eyesight: The marsupial mole gradually lost its vision. Around 16 million years ago, the lens began to regress; nine million years ago, the ability to perceive color disappeared, and finally, three million years ago, they also lost the ability to see in the dark - the reason: In total darkness, there is no selective pressure to maintain eyesight.
The reproductive organs of the marsupial mole have also adapted. "A testicle that gets in the way during digging activities is evolutionarily disadvantageous," explains Dr. Doronina. Through genetic modification, the testicles remain in the body cavity - a development that occurred independently of other burrowing animals. To survive in the oxygen-poor sand of the desert, the marsupial mole has another trick up its sleeve: A particular gene for fetal hemoglobin is present in two copies. This adaptation improves oxygen transport and helps the animal survive in extreme environments.
The team from Münster investigated who the closest relatives of the marsupial mole are. Using so-called jumping genes - genetic sequences whose arrangement in the genome can change predominantly during reproduction - the researchers analyzed the DNA of this rare animal. They discovered 436 identical genetic sequences that only occur in the marsupial mole and Peramelemorphia. "That clearly establishes the relationship," explains Liliya Doronina.
However, the deciphered genome provides much more than family trees. It shows how genes lose their original function over millions of years or take on new functions to adapt to changing living conditions. "Such insights help us better understand evolution and give us an idea of how flexible life is at the genetic level," reflects Dr. Schmitz with a smile.
Dr. Jürgen Schmitz
Institute of Experimental Pathology
University of Münster
E-Mail: jueschm@uni-muenster.de
Phone: 0049 251 8353066
Stephen R. Frankenberg et al., Unearthing the secrets of Australia’s most enigmatic and cryptic mammal, the marsupial mole. Sci. Adv.11, eado4140(2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado4140
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