4 ms·
> The Human Genome Project essentially handed us the keys to euchromatin, the majority of the human genome, which is rich in genes, loosely packaged, and busy m
by WallyFunk 5y ago
> The Human Genome Project essentially handed us the keys to euchromatin, the majority of the human genome, which is rich in genes, loosely packaged, and busy making RNA
> Jarvis and Formenti hope that their contribution will not only help tie a bow on the Human Genome Project, but also inform research into diseases linked to the heterochromatic genome—chief among them cancer
So the TL;DR or ELI5 version of this is this completion can help fight cancer. Had to wade through this article to get as to why we would want a complete sequencing. Any other non-obvious things we can do after this? Like perhaps life extension or other diseases we can cure?
- jahewson 5y agoCancerous cells can have a rapidly changing genome, with the heterochromatin “glue” between genes playing an important role in this, including altering how much those genes get expressed. This work has sequenced the “glue” so we know what’s supposed to be there and can better understand what’s different about cancerous cells beyond the usual gene mutations.
- mmmrtl 5y agoLiterally any genetic disease (or shortcomings like aging) could have missing facets hidden in these newly-complete regions of the genome. It's kind of the same reason you would want a complete anything, it's not ideal to go hunting for knowledge while blinded to a nonrandom 8% of the territory.
- ncmncm 5y ago"Cancer" is the gimme-funding word. It is quite doubtful that this work will enable much better cancer treatment than what we already had. But it's science. Nobody knows what might come out, which is really the point.
- robwwilliams 5y agoIt is infrastructure! What can you do with a road or a bridge?