Neanderthal or Homo sapiens Chimpanzees evolved from a common ancestor with chimpanzees nearly 7 million years ago, but humans have yet to stop the process of genetic adaptation for survival.
Recently, a team of scientists from several European research institutes. Published a report on the discovery of 155 new genes in humans, proof that the species continues to evolve.
The report, published in the journal Cell Reports Dec. 20, indicates that These newly discovered genes are tiny genes, or “microgenes,” made up of tiny bits of DNA whose exact function is unknown. And no one has ever paid much attention to studying it.
Dr. Nicolaus Wakirlis, chief geneticist of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences. “Alexander Fleming” of Greece explains. They were able to find 155 of these new genes by building a tree that traces the genetic history of humans relative to other vertebrates. Some of these genes go back to the origin of mammals.
In addition, the research team also found that There are two microgenes in the above groups that are found only in the genetics of modern humans. He remains unsure of its biological significance to humans. Or does it matter to what extent?
Forty-four of the 155 microgenes found by the researchers were associated with cell growth abnormalities. This indicates their importance in helping maintain health and systems within the body.
Heart tissue-associated microgenes have also been found in humans and chimpanzees. This also happened when the two primate species evolved from the gorilla. This phenomenon indicates that Genes can be transformed rapidly to become essential for the body in a short period of time.
However, some microgenes have been found to carry a DNA marker, suggesting they are linked to diseases such as muscular dystrophy and retinitis pigmentosa) and Alazami syndrome, which causes abnormally small body and skull proportions.
Dr Vakirlis concluded that ‘These microgenes are often overlooked by scientists because they are difficult to analyse. But we believe that in the future there will be more and more awareness of its importance because there is a high probability that this will happen. There are many other functional genes hidden in the human genome”.