You’re a Pig (Genetically Speaking)
Several close friends and relatives of mine are pigs. Well, they’re not really. They were born in the year of the pig according to Chinese astrology. Actually, all humans are pretty close to being pigs if we compare our genome to theirs.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that at least 173 chromosomal regions between pigs and humans match. Without actually sequencing the pig genome, however, it’s still not clear which exact genes are shared or conserved*.
Finding similarities between pig and human genomes will give scientists another way to understand diseases, such as clogged arteries and cancer, that manifest in both species. In addition, pigs can help test radiation therapies and other treatments for common diseases.
Jonathan Beever, an animal geneticist, said, “The pig is just a spectacular model for humans.”
I hope he meant just in the genetic sense.
*Conserved sequence: A DNA (or amino acid) sequence that has remained relatively unchanged throughout evolution. Such a sequence is under selective pressure and therefore resistant to change. (Onconomics Bioinformatics Glossary)
The Washington Post, August 4, 2005
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POSTED IN: General Genetics and Health
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2 opinions for You’re a Pig (Genetically Speaking)
Ignat Drozdov
Aug 5, 2005 at 9:56 pm
I remember reading about striking genetic similarities between humans and pigs and was taken off my feet, but not completely surprised. I have studdied some surgical procedures that used these similarities. Very interesting post and a very interesting website. I’m a med student and just started a science news blog: http://www.hawaiistreets.co… , I will make sure to stop by your site frequently. I was also wondering if you had any tips to a start up science blogger like me.Thanks for your time.
Lei
Aug 6, 2005 at 2:39 am
Ignat, Thanks for your nice comment. Congratulations on joining the blog fray, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. As for tips, all I can say is that the science blogs I most enjoy reading not only give the latest news, but also their opinion of it. Opinions and biases are what make blogs different from mainstream media. So, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. All the best!
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