Chimps \'r\' not us: 3-D DNA shows vast differences (Introduction)

by David Turell , Wednesday, March 17, 2021, 22:04 (1348 days ago) @ David Turell

New study demonstrates more differences in DNA genes:

https://phys.org/news/2021-03-technique-reveals-genes-underlying-human.html

"Through two separate sets of experiments with this technique, the researchers discovered new genetic differences between humans and chimpanzees. They found a significant disparity in the expression of the gene SSTR2—which modulates the activity of neurons in the cerebral cortex and has been linked, in humans, to certain neuropsychiatric diseases such as Alzheimer's dementia and schizophrenia—and the gene EVC2, which is related to facial shape. The results were published March 17 in Nature and Nature Genetics, respectively.

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"The Fraser lab is particularly interested in how the genetics of humans and other primates compare at the level of cis-regulatory elements, which affect the expression of nearby genes (located on the same DNA molecule, or chromosome). The alternative—called trans-regulatory factors—can regulate the expression of distant genes on other chromosomes elsewhere in the genome. Due to their broad effects, trans-regulatory factors (such as proteins) are less likely to differ among closely related species than cis-regulatory elements."

Comment: Before genetic studies were so accurate, it was estimated and presented here, the difference is chimps and we are about 79% similar in expressed gene activity.