About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Big Data About Key Protein Reveal Genetic Clues in Humans

by Bidita Debnath on March 30, 2015 at 10:35 PM
Big Data About Key Protein Reveal Genetic Clues in Humans

After analyzing big data about a key protein at Washington University in St.Louis, computer scientists have discovered its connection in human history as well as clues about its role in complex neurological diseases.

Through a novel method, Sharlee Climer and Weixiong Zhang discovered a region encompassing the gephyrin protein — master regulator of receptors in the brain that transmit messages — on chromosome 14 that underwent rapid evolution after splitting in two completely opposite directions thousands of years ago.

Advertisement

Those opposite directions, known as yin and yang, are still strongly evident across different populations of people around the world today. Malfunction of the gephyrin protein has been associated with epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and other neurological diseases.

The research team used big data from the "International HapMap Project", a public resource of genetic data from populations worldwide designed to help researchers find genes associated with human disease, as well as from the "1000 Genomes" project, another public data source of sequenced human genomes.
Advertisement

In total, they looked at the genetic data from 3,438 individuals, said the study that appeared in the journal Nature Communications. When they analysed the data, they made an interesting discovery in a sequence of markers called a haplotype, enveloping the gephyrin gene.

Using the data from the HapMap Project, they looked at the gephyrin region in several populations of people, including European, East and South Asian and African heritage, and found variations in the haplotype frequencies of each of these populations.

Those from African origin generally have more yang haplotypes, while those of European origin have more yin haplotypes. Those of Asian descent have nearly equal numbers of yin and yang haplotypes.

Ultimately, the team expects this method will shed light on the genetic roots of disease. Most complex diseases arise due to a group of genetic variations interacting together.

"Different groups of people who get a disease may be affected by different groups of variations. We are taking a combinatorial approach, looking at combinations of markers together, and we are able to see the patterns," Climer concluded.

Source: IANS
Font : A-A+

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Recommended Readings

Latest Research News

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks: Link to Traumatic Brain Injury and Dementia?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are detected in approximately 1-3% of adults who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
Astrocyte Activation Through Optogenetics: A New Hope in the Fight Against Alzheimer's
The optogenetic activation of hippocampal astrocytes can be viewed as a novel therapeutic avenue for addressing Alzheimer's disease.
Link Between Cholesterol and Inflammation in Alzheimer's Disease Identified
In Alzheimer's disease condition, the control and adjustment of ABCA7 levels in response to inflammation and the decrease in the availability of cholesterol.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Atopic Dermatitis Share Common Links
Atopic dermatitis (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to alterations in the microbiome, and disruptions in the skin and gut barrier.
Vitiligo-Associated Autoimmunity Linked to Lower Health Risks
Gaining insights into mortality risks among vitiligo patients will enhance patient counseling, healthcare monitoring, and overall patient management strategies.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
MediBotMediBot
Greetings! How can I assist you?MediBot
×

Big Data About Key Protein Reveal Genetic Clues in Humans Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests