Transmissible Leukemias and Genome Instability in Marine Shellfish

A study on the somatic evolution of marine transmissible leukemias in the common cockle, Cerastoderma edule, has been conducted. The research reveals the presence of clonal lineages of transmissible cancer in this bivalve species, similar to what has been observed in other marine organisms such as Tasmanian devils and mussels. The study provides insights into the genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of these cancers, highlighting the potential for horizontal transmission and the role of mitochondria in cancer progression. The findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the emergence and spread of transmissible cancers in marine environments.