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Ancient Protein Network Mapping Reveals New Disease-Linked Genes
Reconstructed 1.5‐billion‐year‐old protein network reveals hundreds of hidden disease‐linked genes
Image: Phys.org
A research team from the University of Texas at Austin has reconstructed a 1.5-billion-year-old protein network, uncovering hundreds of previously unknown genes linked to human diseases. This groundbreaking study could pave the way for new treatments for various disorders by identifying genetic connections across the evolutionary tree.
- 01The study identified that about half of all human genes trace back to the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA), an ancient single-celled organism.
- 02Using animal models, the researchers confirmed associations between three rare diseases and specific genes: osteopetrosis, end-stage kidney disease, and short-rib thoracic dysplasia.
- 03The research involved over 25,000 biochemical experiments across 31 eukaryotic species to reconstruct LECA's protein interactome.
- 04The findings suggest that gene-disease associations can be traced through evolutionary links, indicating broader implications for understanding various diseases.
- 05The study highlights the interconnectedness of life forms, showing how human genes relate to those in plants and other organisms.
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A team led by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has reconstructed a detailed map of the protein network from the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA), which lived 1.5 billion years ago. This groundbreaking work, published in Cell Genomics, has revealed hundreds of genes previously unknown to be associated with human diseases. The researchers utilized animal models and human patient data to confirm that three of these genes are linked to rare disorders such as osteopetrosis, end-stage kidney disease, and short-rib thoracic dysplasia. The study involved extensive biochemical experiments on 156 organisms to identify shared genes and proteins, leading to the creation of a protein interactome that illustrates how proteins combine to form molecular machines essential for life. These findings not only enhance our understanding of genetic diseases but also emphasize the evolutionary connections among diverse life forms, suggesting that many diseases may share common genetic roots.
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The identification of new disease-linked genes could lead to innovative treatments for various genetic disorders.
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