What to Know About the Genetic ‘Junk’ That Makes Us Human

Nov. 2, 2021 — We are 98.8% much like chimpanzees in our DNA, however we’re nonetheless a unique species. Within that remaining 1.2%, a key DNA sequence as soon as considered junk may unlock our human uniqueness.

Using stem cells coaxed into turning into neurons, researchers have recognized a gene that distinguishes human nerve cells from chimpanzee nerve cells. They additionally discovered {that a} sequence of DNA as soon as thought-about “junk” has whole management over this human-specific gene.

Only about 2% of our DNA sequences comprise the codes for constructing proteins. Biologists usually have targeted on these areas in evaluating our DNA with that of different species. But the remaining 98% that doesn’t encode protein-making directions isn’t junk and has necessary features.

These researchers discovered that the noncoding sequence regulates a gene that’s essential in human mind improvement. In their findings, revealed in Cell Stem Cell, this gene was particularly energetic within the entrance of the creating mind, the place people and chimps differ considerably. The noncoding DNA sequence controls how the gene is used.

This discovering provides a step to the sequence of occasions for making a human mind, giving researchers much more to do within the search to grasp how we differ from our closest cousins. Grasping what makes us uniquely human may reveal new insights into circumstances that solely people expertise, comparable to schizophrenia.