Chromosome 7
Chromosome 7
Length of DNA
159'345'973 bp
i.e. 5.3 cm
Estimated number of genes
998
Sequenced
in Germany and the USA
Link
A gene to say it
Humans are the only animals that can make sentences – with words, and using grammar and syntax. And it is precisely for this reason that scientists have been looking for THE language gene, which is responsible for giving humans what other animals do not have, in other words speech.
capsid taxi
PEG10 : gene of viral origin, coding for a protein capable of packaging its own messenger RNA and transporting it elsewhere in the body. This protein plays a role in placenta formation and in the development of certain cancers.
External links
Protein Spotlight: I'll borrow that, thank you
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Cytokine storm
IL6: a gene coding for a protein that is believed thought to play an important role in the disruption of the immune response, leading to a so-called ‘cytokine storm’, which worsens the condition of patients with COVID-19.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Alzheimer resistance
RELN: gene coding for a protein involved in neuron organization in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum. A particular mutation in the RELN gene protects against the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and was found in a patient with another genetic variation associated with an early onset of the disease, but who did not develop dementia.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Publication: Resilience to autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease in a Reelin-COLBOS heterozygous man (2023)
movements
ACTB: Gene coding for an actin, a protein involved in cell motility… but also in DNA repair by promoting motility of damaged DNA.
cells that multiply
BRAF: Gene involved in cell proliferation and associated with skin cancer.
External links
Bioinformatics - expert : Designing a drug against skin cancerCorresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Internal links
What is a cancer?turn it down
SLC26A4: This gene is associated with congenital deafness.
long lifetime
SERPINE1: A gene involved in the dissolution of blood clots. Variations of this gene are found more frequently in centenarians…
colour blindness
OPN1SW: This gene is involved in recognising the colour blue. When it is defective, it is associated with ‘blue colour blindness’.
External links
Bioinformatics expert: 'blue colour blindness' in the OMIM database
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Internal links
Chromosomes XX: OPN1MW
a bitter taste
TAS2R4/TAS2R38: These genes code for proteins involved in the perception of bitter compounds.
hungry? full…?
LEP: This gene is involved in regulating our appetite.
External links
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
cystic fibrosis
CFTR: This gene is associated with cystic fibrosis.
External links
Bioinformatics expert: Cystic fibrosis in the OMIM database
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
pump up the volume
SLC26A5: This gene codes for the prestin protein which is involved in hearing. It is a fast-working protein, hence its name.
an Olympic medal?
EPO: This gene codes for EPO, a hormone that stimulates the production of red cells and can thus increase an athlete’s performance.
External links
Prolune - article: EPO, a stupefying hormone!
Tale: Journey in a tiny world
Tale (pdf): Journey into a tiny world
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
the beginnings of the placenta
ERVWE1: This gene is the remnants of a viral infection in our distant ancestors, and could have played a role in the emergence of the placenta in mammals. The corresponding protein is called Syncytin.
on fertility
ZP3: This gene codes for a protein found on the egg’s surface, which is recognised by the sperm.
Internal links
Chromosome 17: ORD1D2
a passage for water
AQP1: This gene codes for a protein – aquaporin – that acts as a channel for ferrying water molecules throughout our body.
External links
Prolune – snapshot: Aquaporin
Prolune - article: Aquaporins: «A Nobel Prize for the water ferries»<br
Prolune - play (PDF): «AquaWhat ?»
3D video (NIH resource) : Download movie 13.1M
Protein Spotlight: Liquid states
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Internal links
Chromosome 9: AQP3
energy maker
CYCS: This gene encodes a cytochrome, a protein which is involved in producing energy in our cells.
External links
Prolune – snapshot: cytochrome C
Prolune - article: The beginnings of a database
Protein Spotlight: Life shuttle
Corresponding protein in UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot
Internal links
Chromosome 18: ATPA