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Bioinformatics for reading the past
Since the 19th century, paleontologists have been ‘reading’ fossils to get a greater understanding of how species evolved. Biologists recently demonstrated that genes and proteins can be just as ‘readable’.
big children
GH1: This gene codes for a hormone involved in child growth.
dry skin
ALOX12B/ALOXE3 : These genes are involved in keeping our skin hydrated.
External links
Protein Spotlight : about water
epilepsy
HLF: This gene may be involved in epilepsy. The gene was discovered by the cleaning staff while vacuuming the animal care facilities at the University of Geneva!
External links
Prolune - snapshot: The PAR bZIP family
neuron sculptor
MAPT: This gene codes for the tau protein, which is important for neuron structure and involved in certain forms of dementia.
External links
Prolune - article: Alzheimer’s disease: when the mind goes astray
Protein Spotlight: Vita minima
qui dort dîne
HCRT: This gene codes for a protein which regulates our appetite and our sleep.
External links
Protein Spotlight: Qui dort dîne
Internal links
Chromosome 20: ADA
on skin, hair and nails
KRT31: This gene codes for keratin, the major component of skin, hair and nails.
External links
Prolune - snapshot: Hair keratin
Internal links
Chromosome 12: KRT86
anti-AIDS
CCL5: This gene codes for a protein involved in fighting off infections. When chemically modified, the protein is able to block HIV infection.
External links
Prolune - snapshot: PSC-RANTES protein
taxi to happiness
SLC6A4: This gene codes for a protein which transports serotonin, also known as a ‘happy hormone’.
External links
Prolune - article: 5HTT: So is happiness all a question of length?
Protein Spotlight: Love, love, love
Internal links
Chromosome 13: A taste of happiness
an inbuilt timekeeper
PER1: This gene is involved in our daily biological rhythms.
External links
Prolune - article: An inbuilt timekeeper
the DNA guardian
TP53: This gene codes for a protein which is responsible for the integrity of our DNA. When defective, it is associated with the development of certain cancers.
External links
3D story (PDB): p53 Tumor Suppressor
the effects of morphine
ARRB2: This gene codes for a protein which regulates the effects of morphine.
External links
Prolune - snapshot: Beta-arrestin 2 and pde4
love at first smell
OR1D2: This gene codes for a sperm protein involved in producing an odour which plays an important role in fertilisation.
External links
Protein Spotlight: Love at first smell
Internal links
Chromosome 7: ZP3