Scientists have created the most complete base of human gene functions
Scientists have created the most complete base of human gene functions
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Scientists have taken a big step in understanding the genetic mechanisms of man, creating the most complete database of gene functions.
Research, Posted In Nature, presents a unique resource that contains information about more than 20,000 human genes, combining modern genetic data with evolutionary analysis, writes Science Daily.
150 scientists from different countries have worked on this resurre. During this time, they have analyzed more than 30,000 scientific publications. Their work is especially important for research in the field of oncology, genetic diseases and molecular biology.
« Our base allows you to move from a simple gene list to understanding their biological functions, which can be useful in the development of treatment methods », – explains Paul D. Thomas, one of the leaders of the Gene Ontology consortium.
Scientists managed to compare data on human genes with genetic information of other organisms – from mice and fish to bacteria. This made it possible to fill the gaps in knowledge about the functions of human genes, using similar processes in other living beings.
”Until now, we had a huge knowledge base, which has become the main source of information about human gene functions. Now we add the context of their evolutionary development that makes this knowledge even more accurate« , – adds Thomas.
Although the base contains information about 82% of protein genes, about 3600 genes remain without experimentally confirmed functions. This opens new areas for research in the future.
The new tool is called Pan-Go Functionome and is now available to the scientific community. Scientists can use it in their research to analyze large quantities of genetic data.
In addition, the consortium invites scientists to join the database, adding new information about genes through a special portal.
”Now we clearly see what aspects are still unknown and this will help the scientific community focus on key issues« , – summarizes Thomas.
