Chromosome 12
Chromosome 12
Length of DNA
133'275'309 bp
i.e. 4.4 cm
Estimated number of genes
1034
Sequenced
in the UK and the USA
Link
The story of life
10 to 100 million species live on our planet. Every single species – from bacteria, insects and birds, to plants and humans – has a common ancestor. According to Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, which was published in ‘On the Origin of Species’ in 1859, species evolve thanks to natural selection. The theory explains the basis of kinship between all species. Although it remained controversial for a long time, it has now been largely accepted.
Anti-COVID-19
OAS1: Gene involved in the fight against certain viral infections. A variant of this gene, inherited from Neanderthal, is thought to give protection against COVID-19.
External links
Protein Spotlight: Luck of the draw
Publication: A Neanderthal OAS1 isoform protects individuals of European ancestry against COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Solid neurons
TUBA1C (tubulin) is one of the proteins important for maintaining cell structure. In particular, it is involved in the formation of neuron axons.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
a question of height
HMGA2: This gene influences a person’s height.
External links
Publication: A common variant of HMGA2 is associated with adult and childhood height in the general population
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
no gluten
SH2B3: variations in this gene are associated with gluten intolerance (celiac disease).
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-ProtDarwin’s finches
ALX1: Gene which orchestrates the development of our nose, our mouth and our jaw. Genetic analysis of birds collected on the Galapagos Islands showed that this gene has a major effect on the shape of the famous Darwin’s finches’ beaks.
External links
Protein Spotlight : the making of a face
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
pigmentation
KITLG: This gene is involved in the synthesis of melanin, a pigment found in skin.
phenylketonuria
PAH: This gene, if defective, is responsible for phenylketonuria, a rare genetic disease that prevents phenylalanine metabolism. Babies are tested at birth because excess phenylalanine in the blood can cause mental retardation.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Protsleeping in
ABCC9: This gene influences the length of sleep. Sleep duration depends on both environmental and genetic factors, with heritability estimated at around 40%.
protein manufacturer
RPLP0: This gene codes for a protein which is part of the ribosome and is therefore involved in making proteins.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
protein manufacturer
RPL6: This gene codes for a protein which is part of the ribosome and is therefore involved in making proteins.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
one too many…
ALDH2: A gene in which certain variants cause alcohol intolerance, leading to symptoms such as flushing and vomiting.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
necessary forgetfulness
PPP1CC : A gene involved in learning but also in forgetting, which we need to avoid overloading our memory.
External links
Protein Spotlight : The things we forget
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
an inbuilt timekeeper
CRY1: This gene codes for one of the proteins involved in the regulation of our biological clock.
External links
Prolune - article: An inbuilt timekeeper
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
protein manufacturer
MARS1 (METRS): This gene codes for a protein which is involved in making other proteins.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
defence
DCD: This gene codes for a sweat protein which fights off bacteria that live on our skin.
on skin, hair and nails
KRT86: This gene codes for keratin, a protein which is the major component of skin, hair and nails.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Internal links
Chromosome 17: KRT31
texting…
ACCN2: This gene is involved in nerve impulses. Turning fright on and off?
cell architecture
TWF1/TWF2: These genes code for proteins that are involved in giving a cell its shape.
External links
Prolune - snapshot: twinfilin
Protein Spotlight: Molecular embrace
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Parkinsons disease
LRRK2: A gene that encodes a protein involved in synaptic vesicle trafficking. Variations in this gene are responsible for Parkinson’s disease.
something sweet
LDHB: This gene is involved in sugar metabolism.
something bitter
TAS2R43: This gene codes for a protein which is involved in the perception of bitter components.
something sweet
TPI1 (TPIS): This gene is involved in sugar metabolism.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Internal links
Chromosome 12: LDHB
hope for Alzheimers?
FKBP4: This gene codes for a protein that interacts with the tau protein, which plays a key role in the progression of Alzheimers disease.