A human-specific paralog of SRGAP2 may have influenced human brain development. SRGAP2C is a duplication of SRGAP2 that encodes a shorter protein compared to SRGAP2; the SRGAP2C protein can bind to SRGAP and inhibit its function. This results in an increase of neuron migration and the production of more dendritic spines. For more on this story, see the-scientist.com/2012/05/07/doubled-gene-boosted-brain-power/.
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A recent study has found that women with high methylation levels of the ATM gene in white blood cells are far more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low methylation levels at the locus. Researchers hope that the finding could lead to screening tests in the future to help identify those at risk of the disease. For more on this story, see www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17905601.
The IFITM3 gene has been shown to be important for host defences against viruses. Researchers found that Ifitm3 knockout mice show an increase in serious symptoms when challenged with flu virus. Sequencing of the IFITM3 gene from patients in hospital due to flu infection showed that a statistically significant number carried a flawed IFITM3 variant. For more on this story, see www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17474197.
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