Sunday, April 12, 2015

Iceland May Be the Key to Human Genome

Current research in Iceland could lead to a revolutionary look into the human genome. Four studies are currently underway that are examining the genome of Icelands human population, all four of which are funded under deCODE Genetics. Altogether, around 104,000 participants have been analyzed for their genes. Each study has examined different aspects of the human genome, such as “knockout” gene mutations and y chromosome mutation rates, but all four studies are coming together to build a bigger picture, both looking back into human evolution as well as looking forward into diagnostic and preventative care value. The studies, so far, have found links between genes that have been turned off in humans and their relation in the body, discovered that the most recent common ancestor for Y chromosomes lived 239,000 years ago (breaking from previous research estimates by a substantial 100,000 years ) , created new means to diagnosing diseases like Alzheimer’s, and even have contributed to uncovering cancerous mutations in women. Lead author of the papers and CEO/founder of deCODE has told BBC that other countries are gearing up to start this level of genome research, and that he hopes to combine global research to get a broader view of the human genome. 

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