Research being done at the National Human Genome Research Institute and the National Institutes of Health to discover and understand the defining genes and pathways of skull shape in Humans. Jeffrey J. Schoenebeck, PhD, and Elaine A. Ostrander, PhD, researchers at these institutions who have been working and studying the morphological changes in the skull structure of different canine species, are using data obtained from the dogs in hopes that it will be compatible to humans. The doctors believe that because humans and dogs share much of the same genome, that it is likely the mechanisms which affect skull development in dogs would be similar in humans.
Researchers have just begun to identify the traits that genes that cause pushed in faces in some dogs and elongated snouts in others. Thanks to selective breeding over hundreds of years by humans have lead certain breeds of dogs to be defined by characteristic features, many with uniquely defined skull structures. "Researchers are using genome wide association studies to find the specific loci of the gene of interest that may be associated with these subtle differences." Knowledge of these genes and mechanisms could be especially useful for humans in understanding the causes of certain skull deformities and how to prevent them in the future.
Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130208105303.htm
Sub-site: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/scientists-identify-genetic-enhancers-that-control-facial-development-in-mice-8911136.html
It is interesting to read articles like this and then wonder why people claim that evolutionary natural selection doesn't happen. It is also interesting that we are so close to dogs in genetic mechanisms.
ReplyDelete