Scientists have fully deciphered the Y chromosome associated with the male sex, and this work will help in the future to understand the role that this chromosome plays in specific male development, fertility and diseases that have a genetic cause.
The work, described this Wednesday in the scientific journal Nature, was carried out by more than a hundred scientists using new genetic sequencing technology and bioinformatics algorithms.
“Now that we have the complete sequence of the Y chromosome, we can identify and explore numerous genetic variations that can influence human traits and diseases in ways that we could not do before,” said geneticist Dylan Taylor, co-author of the study. . , from Johns Hopkins University USA, was quoted in a statement from the institution.
The Y chromosome is particularly difficult to decipher due to its repetitive molecular structures.
The scientific team has identified the structures of sperm regulatory gene families — male reproductive cells — and found 41 additional genes on the Y chromosome.
Scientists have also uncovered the structure of genes that are believed to play an important role in the development and functioning of the male reproductive system.
Ultimately, the study shows that Y-chromosome genes contribute to cancer risk and severity.
The study involved researchers who in 2022 announced the complete sequence of the human genome, including those parts that were thrown away as garbage.
However, this work has been done with two X chromosomes (associated with the female sex).
A new study has created the complete sequence of the Y chromosome and each element of its DNA from an X- and Y-chromosomal donor (male).
The knowledge gained is being used in primate research to further study Y-chromosome evolution and gene analysis, which may have clinical implications for personalized treatment of cancer and other diseases of genetic origin, Johns Hopkins University said in a statement.
Normal human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes, of which one pair is responsible for sex – male (one X chromosome and one Y chromosome) and female (two X chromosomes).
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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