As new discoveries are made, scientists often ask, how can we use this to help others. That is the case with a new mutation found regarding sleep. The SIK3 gene is linked to processes of magnesium binding, protein phosphorylation, and ATP binding. A mutation in the gene was recently found to be linked to people who can function on less sleep.
The mutation, when studied in mice, showed that the mutation allowed the mice to sleep for half and hour and be fully functional. They typically sleep for 12 hours. This mutation was discovered in a women in her 70's. She sleeps for about 6 and a half hours a night. This is one of 5 mutations discovered already that is linked to sleep. The SIK3 mutation allows for a higher release of a kinase, that is present in the synapse of neurons, and allows for better signal transmission despite lack of sleep. This discovery may be able to help people with sleep disorders be able to function at higher levels then before.
I find it very interesting that there's a mutation that allow people to be fully functional even with a lack of sleep. Most people have motor function and other cognitive issues, so maybe if the SIK3 mutation is studied further it can be used to help those with sleep deficits. It would be very interesting to see!
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