Chromosome 19
Chromosome 19
Length of DNA
58'617'616 bp
i.e. 1.9 cm
Estimated number of genes
1473
Sequenced
in the USA
Link
+
Chromosome 19 has the most dense gene population of all the human chromosomes.
our blood at 7.59 a.m.
When life begins to form, the very first cell divides into two perfectly identical copies, which divide into two more copies that are identical too, and so on. Despite this, at a given time, one cell will become a brain cell, and another a blood cell. Though each of these cells has exactly the same genes, at one point during embryogenesis, they will specialise by using only the genes they need. It is one of the wonders of Nature.
wrong place
ATP13A1: Gene coding for a protein required to remove mitochondrial transmembrane proteins which are mistargeted to other subcellular compartments (notably the endoplasmic reticulum).
In the beginning
TPRX1: this gene encodes one of the proteins that is expressed shortly after fertilization and is required for zygote genome activation (ZGA). ZGA is critical for embryo development and marks the very first transcription event in a new life.
Nausea and pregnancy
GDF15: gene coding for a protein that activates a receptor in brainstem, causing food aversion, nausea and reduced movement. GDF15 can thus prevent the ingestion of food toxins and promote healing after an injury by encouraging the injured individual to rest. The foetus produces the GDF15 protein during pregnancy, protecting both mother and foetus from food-borne diseases and toxins. Levels of GDF15 are significantly higher in pregnant women suffering from nausea and vomiting.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Protein Spotlight: Nausea
UniProt Headline: The culprit for extreme morning sickness identified
a sixth sense?
VN1R1/VN1R2/VN1R4: Groups of genes which code for pheromone receptors.
a sweet story
INSR: Gene involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels. This gene codes for the insulin receptor.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
anti-oxidant
GPX4: Gene coding for a protein that plays a key role in protecting cells against the oxidation of certain lipids.
External links
Protein Spotlight : life, a subtle balance
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
taxi for fat
ApoE: A gene that encodes a protein responsible for transporting fats in the blood, with certain variants potentially predisposing individuals to Alzheimer’s disease.
External links
Prolune - article: Alzheimer’s disease: when the mind goes astray
Protein Spotlight: Tangled
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Internal links
Chromosome 1: ApoAII
epilepsy
DBP: A gene that encodes a protein involved in the regulation of sleep and the circadian rhythm. Certain variations in this gene may be linked to epileptic seizures. Fun fact: its discovery is credited to the cleaning staff at the University of Geneva’s animal facility… who happened to be using a vacuum cleaner!
zinedine
STRN4: This gene codes for Zinedine, a protein that was discovered by researchers in Marseille, the famous football player’s home city.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
calcium sensitive
CALM3: This gene codes for the calmodulin protein which senses changes in calcium concentration and transmits the information to other proteins.
External links
Prolune - snapshot: Calmodulin
Protein music (in French): Calmoduline
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
an opening for polio
PVR: This gene codes for a protein that lets the poliovirus enter our cells.
External links
Prolune - snapshot: The T1R2 poliovirus receptor
Protein Spotlight: The accidental crippler
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
a bowl of fresh air
TSHZ3: This gene is involved in regulating our breathing.
cellular abundance
CCNE1: This gene is involved in the control of cell proliferation.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
an Olympic medal?
EPOR: This gene codes for the EPO receptor, a hormone involved in producing red cells. Variations in this gene are associated with a high rate of red cells in the blood. Eero Mäntyranta, a Finnish athlete, has one of these particular variations of the gene and won a gold medal during the 1964 Winter Olympic Games. Did he benefit from it?
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
only for boys
AMH: This gene is involved in the development of male sexual organs.
External links
Prolune - article: ♂ or ♀, that is the question
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
eternal youth?
KISS1R: If this gene is defective, puberty is stalled. A way of staying young?