Monday, October 27, 2014

Newfound Risks in the Arctic

In the past, geneticists have boasted about a gene enhancing the diets of those in the Arctic. As it turns out, the gene that was widely viewed as a lifesaver is now under close examination. The negative effects of this gene outweigh the positive in a recent study. The gene was known to be of evolutionary importance; it increased the survival rate and aided the high-fat concentrations of certain diets. While this is true, the sequence of interest found in CPT1A also has the ability to decrease blood sugar levels and yield a condition known as hypoglycemia. The diagram below shows the positive aspect of the gene, which was the only aspect known before the increase in infant mortality and decrease in blood sugar level was noticed.


At what point did the gene stop being beneficial, and start to be detrimental? The answer is related to the change in the environment, as stated by Dr. Toomas Kivisild from the University of Cambridge. The genomes of 25 Northern Siberians were compared to that of Europeans and Asians. By comparison, Dr. Kivisild and his team noticed that the gene of interest was only found in the sequenses of those who lived in the cold climate of North Siberia. A variation found in gene CPT1A, which has been shown to breakdown fatty acids, is present in large amounts as an effect of the diets of the people in Northern Siberia. Statistics have shown that 68% of Northern Siberians have increased amounts of this gene, which was needed for survival. Therefore, it is no coincidence that those who live in colder climates have an increased amount of the genetic variant.

Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141023131653.htm
Supporting Article: http://www.adn.com/article/20141027/study-links-arctic-gene-survival-modern-illnesses

No comments:

Post a Comment