Researchers Reveal Guide to Human Genome

(Image source: Playback / Discover Magazine)

Scientists from the ENCODE project - Encyclopedia of DNA Elements - have revealed that the human genome is much more complex than previously thought. Until then, researchers had only deciphered the role of 2% of our genetic material - that is, 20, 000 genes - leaving the remaining 98% aside for being considered less essential or simply not appearing to be of any use.

According to Discover Magazine, scientists have found that other genes - those relegated to the background - instead of just being there for volume, are actually incredibly important too, so much so that 80% of them are biochemically active, containing regulators capable of activating other genes.

Control panel

So the genetic "encyclopedia" has revealed to scientists that our genome, in fact, is like a huge control panel with millions of buttons that regulate genetic activity.

The ENCODE project has 442 researchers from around the world scattered in laboratories on three continents, and although the “guide” to the human genome took 10 years to decipher, it has yielded at least 30 published studies and is considered a true revolution. that should mark a new era of discoveries for biology and medicine.

Sources: euronews, ENCODE and Discover Magazine