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.
ATP13A1: Gene coding for a protein required to remove mitochondrial transmembrane proteins which are mistargeted to other subcellular compartments (notably the endoplasmic reticulum).
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.
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.
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Protein Spotlight: Nausea
UniProt Headline: The culprit for extreme morning sickness identified
VN1R1/VN1R2/VN1R4: Groups of genes which code for pheromone receptors.
INSR: Gene involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels. This gene codes for the insulin receptor.
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
GPX4: Gene coding for a protein that plays a key role in protecting cells against the oxidation of certain lipids.
Protein Spotlight : life, a subtle balance
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
ApoE: This gene codes for a protein which transports fats in our blood, and may indicate a predisposition to Alzheimers disease.
Prolune - article: Alzheimer’s disease: when the mind goes astray
Protein Spotlight: Tangled
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Chromosome 1: ApoAII
DBP: 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!
STRN4: This gene codes for Zinedine, a protein that was discovered by researchers in Marseille, the famous football player’s home city.
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
CALM3: This gene codes for the calmodulin protein which senses changes in calcium concentration and transmits the information to other proteins.
Prolune - snapshot: Calmodulin
Protein music (in French): Calmoduline
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
PVR: This gene codes for a protein that lets the poliovirus enter our cells.
Prolune - snapshot: The T1R2 poliovirus receptor
Protein Spotlight: The accidental crippler
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
TSHZ3: This gene is involved in regulating our breathing.
CCNE1: This gene is involved in cell proliferation.
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
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?
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
AMH: This gene is involved in the development of male sexual organs.
Prolune - article: ♂ or ♀, that is the question
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
KISS1R: If this gene is defective, puberty is stalled. A way of staying young?