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Genetics and Health

deCode uncovers genetic variants driving male-female evolutionary changes

by Elaine on February 1st, 2008

 

Scientists from deCODE genetics have reported the discovery of two common, single-letter variants in the sequence of the human genome (SNPs) that regulate one of the principle motors of evolution. Versions of the two SNPs, located on chromosome 4p16, have a genome-wide impact on the rate of recombination - the reshuffling of the genome that occurs in the formation of eggs and sperm.

Recombination is largely responsible for generating human diversity, the novel configurations of the genome that enable each species to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing environment. Yet remarkably, the versions of the SNPs that increase recombination in men decrease it in women, and vice versa.

The deCODE team identified the SNPs through a genome-wide analysis of more than 300,000 SNPs in approximately 20,000 participants in the company’s gene discovery programs. The SNPs, referred to as rs3796619 and rs1670533, are within the RNF212 gene, and are estimated to account for approximately 22% of paternal variability in recombination and 6.5% of maternal variability.

For further information 

http://www.decode.com/News/2008_01_31.php

Elaine Warburton  www.geneticsandhealth.com

POSTED IN: Chromosome abnormalities, DNA, DNA profiling, Evolution, Genealogy and DNA, General Genetics and Health, Genes, Genetic Engineering, Genetic Future, Genetic Ingenuity, Genetic Testing, Genetics of Disease, Human Genome, Lifestyle

1 opinion for deCode uncovers genetic variants driving male-female evolutionary changes

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    Feb 4, 2008 at 1:35 am

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