Chromosome 4
Chromosome 4
Length of DNA
190'214'555 bp
i.e. 6.3 cm
Estimated number of genes
753
Sequenced
in Germany and the USA
Link
+
Chromosome 4 contains vast regions, known as deserts, in which there are no genes at all.
Gene, tell me who you are and I’ll tell you where you’re from
To understand how the processes of egg laying and lactation began, scientists have to choose genes that are essential to both.
pigmentation
KIT: This gene is involved in the synthesis of melanin, a pigment found in skin.
the size of a skeleton
FGFR3: Gene involved in bone development.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-ProtStorage and fertility
ZAR1 : a gene crucial for female fertility and the transition from oocyte to embryo, coordinating the storage, translation, and degradation of maternal mRNAs.
temperature
UCP1: Gene involved in the regulation of body temperature.
Antimicrobial peptides
HTN3: gene coding for antimicrobial peptides present in primate saliva. They are considered the main precursors of the protective protein structure on the surface of teeth. One of these peptides, called Hst5, specifically fights infections caused by Candida albicans, a yeast naturally present in our mouths.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Protein Spotlight: Mouths, enemies and spit
out!
ABCG2: This gene codes for a protein which actively extrudes a wide variety of physiological compounds, and dietary toxins from cells.
External links
Protein Spotlight : the unwalkable disease Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prothuntington
HTT: This gene is associated with Huntingtons disease, a particularly serious neurodegenerative disease.
External links
Bioinformatics expert: Huntingtons disease in the OMIM database
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Protchromosome scaffolding
H2AFZ: This is one of the numerous genes that code for histone proteins. The characteristic architecture of a chromosome is due to the way DNA is wound around histones.
External links
Bioinformatics expert: DNA wound around histones in the PDB database (click on ‘View in 3D’)
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-ProtInternal links
Chromosome 1: HIST2H4A
deserted…
This region carries no genes…
the tips of our fingers
SMARCAD1: This gene is involved in the formation of the epidermal ridges on our fingers. When it is defective, people are born without fingerprints (immigration delay disease), which can create problems at customs…
External links
Protein Spotlight: The ends of our fingers
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Protour body’s timekeeper
CLOCK: This gene codes for the clock protein which is involved in regulation of our biological rhythms.
External links
Prolune - article: An inbuilt timekeeper
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Proton the edge of madness
GABRA1/GABRA2/GABRA4: Groups of genes involved in the harmful effects of absinthe consumption.
External links
Protein Spotlight: Forbidden fruit
One of the corresponding proteins in UniProtKB/Swiss-Protbye bye bacteria
TLR1: This gene is involved in the fight against bacterial infection.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Protdeserted…
This region carries no genes…
roller coaster
OTOP1: This gene is involved in the perception of acceleration (lifts, roller coasters…)… and encodes a receptor for sour taste.