Chromosome 17
Chromosome 17
Length of DNA
83'257'441 bp
i.e. 2.7 cm
Estimated number of genes
1'186
Sequenced
in Canada, the UK and the USA
Link
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’.
dry skin
ALOX12B/ALOXE3 : These two genes are involved in keeping our skin hydrated.
mucus
ST6GALNAC1: gene coding for a protein that adds sugars to mucus proteins, particularly in the intestinal mucus. Mucus integrity is essential for good cohabitation with our microbiota.
big children
GH1: This gene codes for a hormone involved in child growth.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
cells that multiply
BRCA1: Gene involved in cell proliferation, associated in particular with breast cancer.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
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!
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
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
qui dort dîne
HCRT: This gene codes for a protein which regulates our appetite and our sleep.
Internal links
Chromosome 20: ADA
on skin, hair and nails
KRT31: This gene codes for keratin, the major component of skin, hair and nails.
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.
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
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
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
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
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
Protein Spotlight : on the right track
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
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
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
love at first smell
OR1D2: This gene codes for a sperm protein involved in producing an odour which plays an important role in fertilisation.
Internal links
Chromosome 7: ZP3