155 new genes discovered, pointing to how humans are still evolving – BBC News

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Neanderthals or Homo sapiens Chimpanzees evolved from a common ancestor with chimpanzees nearly 7 million years ago, but humans have yet to stop the process of genetic adaptation for survival.

Recently, a team of scientists from several European research institutes. Published a report on the discovery of 155 new genes in humans, evidence that the species continues to evolve.

The report, published in the journal Cell Reports on December 20, indicates that These newly discovered genes are small genes, or “microgenes,” made up of small fragments of DNA whose exact function is unknown. And no one has ever paid much attention to study it.

Dr. Nicolaus Wakirlis, lead geneticist from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences. “Alexander Fleming” of Greece explains. They were able to find 155 of these new genes by building a tree that traces the genetic history of humans compared to other vertebrates. Some of these genes date back to the origin of mammals.

In addition, the research team also discovered that There are two microgenes in the above groups that are only found in the genetics of modern humans. It remains unsure of its biological significance to humans. Or is it important to what extent?

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Forty-four of the 155 microgenes the researchers found were associated with abnormalities in cell growth. This indicates their importance in helping to maintain health and systems within the body.

Microgenes associated with cardiac tissue have also been found in humans and chimpanzees. This also happened when the two species of primates evolved from the gorilla. This phenomenon indicates that Genes can be transformed rapidly to become essential to the body in a short period of time.

However, some microgenes have been found to carry a DNA marker, suggesting that they are linked to diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and Retinitis Pigmentosa. ) and Alazami Syndrome, which causes abnormally small body and skull proportions

Dr Vakirlis concluded that “These microgenes are often overlooked by scientists because they are difficult to analyze. But we believe that in the future there will be more and more awareness of its importance because there is a high probability that There are many more functional genes hidden within the human genome.”

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