Advancements in Skin Scarring Genetics

The highly complex process of wound healing requires the coordinated response of various cell types, as well as the proper delivery of nutrients and oxygen to repair the damaged tissue. While superficial wounds tend to heal within a matter of days, deeper and larger wounds tend to heal by leaving a scar. These scars can be painful, restrict mobility, or impair function.

A recent review calls attention to the need for improved techniques or developments to both treat and prevent scarring. Research could be improved with the use of population health approaches and experimental validation in animal models. In the past, a wide variety of animal models have been used to study scaring. It is possible to take these studies further with the performance of candidate gene validation. Overall, these strategies may uncover links between specific genetic loci and wound related phenotypes in humans. Future experimental work in animal models can then be used to validate these candidate genes and deepen insight into the biological mechanisms involved.




Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1748681525006588#sec0030

Additional:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10843200/

Africa's oldest human DNA helps unveil a 'ghost' group

 

Is the concept of "race" real?

     The idea of race has been around for centuries. It has become even more prevalent in today's society with what is slowly becoming somewhat of a race war in the United States. However, according to Elizabeth Kolbert, "there's no scientific basis for race - It's a made-up label". Many believe that any and all differences between the human population are completely trite. AS all humans are made up of the same genetic code and all share common ancestors. And that any persons that believe in "racial superiority" and/or "ethnic suppression" can be placed in a group of "scientific racists". 

     Another geneticist, Dr. David Reich also determined that the idea of race is a "social construct". Which coincides with the conclusion of Elizabeth Kolbert. However, he also added that it is no longer possible to ignore the genetic differences between 'races' Many of these differences are in genetic ancestry and conform to many of the racial constructs of today. The differences talked about ,most of which are more that skin deep, include physical traits. Such as differences in height, weight, body dimensions and the individual's susceptibility to certain diseases. Dr. Reich also calls for a reasoned discussion about race. This call has fallen upon deaf ears. As any mention of differences between populations is considered taboo. 

   I believe that this "reasoned discussion" is necessary in these times of racial tension in the world. No matter where you turn there is talk about racial injustice, racial prejudice or something along those lines. I am a believer that all people are equal. No matter ones 'race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation etc. People need to come to the realization that its not a hierarchy. That no population of people is better or worse than another. No matter the prominent differences one can see.

Article Link: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-is-race-a-made-up-label/
Elizabeth Kolbert Article: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/04/race-genetics-science-africa/
Dr. David Reich Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/23/opinion/sunday/genetics-race.html?ref=oembed

Discovering Unknown Gene Mutations in Iceland's DNA

Sequencing genomes is incredibly helpful in adding to the understanding of different species and populations. Having data for sequenced genomes also gives a lot of information for people that study gene mutation and disease. Scientists in Iceland sequenced the complete genomes of 2,636 people from Iceland which is the biggest population sequenced out of every country in the world (in 2015). From this information they were able to also deduce information of the genomes of  more than a hundred thousand other Icelanders, adding to the extensiveness of this feat.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/iceland-guide/

This genetic information helped scientists discover how different mutations that were unknown before affect certain diseases. Not all diseases are caused by a mutation on a single gene, mutations of many genes can cause certain disease or the likelihood of someone getting that disease. There are so many different combinations of mutations yet to be discovered, but having a big population size with available genetic information can lead to more because scientists can find things in common with people from the same population. Scientists found that eight people from Iceland with the same mutation on a MYL4 gene all had a diseases that causes irregular heartbeat in common. Having a big sample size to compare data to is very helpful in science, and can help lead the studies of how mutations affect many diseases, progressing. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/26/science/in-icelands-dna-clues-to-what-genes-may-cause-disease.html?_r=0

Could be more to know about the world of Epigenetics than previously assumed...

As time pushes onward, humans are constantly obtaining more information about how the body works and how our traits are passed from generation to generation. This article gives insight to the world of Epigenetics, which scientists have previously believed to be set in stone. However, as researchers backtrack and take a closer look, epigentics is not as simple as we assumed. This article mentions how we have viewed the DNA sequence as an independent of the epigenetic mechanisms (that which are responsible for controlling the gene expressions and are heritable). Further reading of this article will allow the readers to be able to see just how complex the transcription of the DNA can be. Some of the transcription ways are straightforward, but others occur at different rates or times which can all effect the output of the process. I feel that is is important that researchers keep investigating what controls our traits, that way we can learn how to better ourselves and the future generations to come. 

Source: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/342/6159/705.full

Below is a link to another article, also giving details about epigentics: 

http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/epigenetic-influences-and-disease-895