Homework - Infidelity gene Central Dogma Problemset Gautier

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Lazebnik, 2018 - Human Inheritance Cecille Gautier Homework ( consists of case study questions and multiple choice questions) Case Study: DNA code and central dogma Aiden and Sage Smith met in college and married soon after graduation. Not very long after their honeymoon, they saw an advertisement on the internet about DNA testing. This sounded like a fun way to learn about their genetic differences and similarities as well as a wise precaution for planning a family, and they ordered the tests. When the results came back, Aiden and Sage were relieved to learn that they each had a clean bill of genetic health as far as their future children were concerned. There was one personal glitch, however: the tests revealed that Aiden had the “infidelity gene.” Sage had never heard of an infidelity gene. In fact, Sage wasn’t entirely sure what a gene was, and she had no idea how—or whether—a gene could cause her husband to be unfaithful. Sage searched online to find out more about this gene, but what she read was confusing. First, she found the following NYTimes review article ( https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/24/opinion/sunday/infidelity-lurks-in-your-genes.html?_r=0 ). She was able to summarize her finding as the following. The term “infidelity gene” is the popular name for a gene called AVPR1a . AVPR1a controls the production of a protein known as the arginine vasopressin receptor . This protein is found on the membranes of nerve cells in the brain and is responsible for transporting the hormone arginine vasopressin from the bloodstream to the nerve cell. Several alleles of the AVPR1a gene are found in humans. Aiden’s particular allele of AVPR1a made less protein than other alleles , which means that less of the hormone made it to Aiden’s brain cells. Some scientists conclude that less hormone means less interest in a mate, which could lead to infidelity.
Lazebnik, 2018 - Human Inheritance Read the information above carefully and apply what you know about genes and gene expression to answer the questions below. Assume that in this case, Aiden's genomic sequence of AVPR1a gene contains introns, exons and proximal promoter. 1. If you were comparing the levels of AVPR1a gene expression between Sage and Aiden, which of the following results would you expect? (1pts) A. Aiden would have more AVPR1a mRNA than Sage B. Aiden would have less AVPR1a mRNA than Sage C. They would have about equal levels of mRNA D. Aiden would have no AVPR1a mRNA, while Sage would have some E. None of the Above Please read the following for Questions 2-5: 2. The sequence of the “infidelity” gene DNA is shown below. What is the sequence of the complementary strand of the DNA? (2pts) 5’gacaccgatgagagccctcacatgatcctaa 3’ Complementary strand: 3’ctgtggctactctcgggagtgtactaggatt 5’ 3. From this sequence (shown above), transcribe the mRNA. (2pts) mRNA: 5’ gacaccgaugagagcccucacaugaucctaa 3’ 4. From the mRNA sequence, identify the codons. Please write your answer on the answer sheet. (2pts) mRNA sequence: 5’ gac acc gau gag agc ccu cac aug auc ccu aa 3’ 5.Translate the amino acids encoded by these codons. Use the Codon table on the next page (2pts) GAC = Aspartic acid (Asp) ACC = Threonine (Thr) GAU = Aspartic acid (Asp)
Lazebnik, 2018 - Human Inheritance GAG = Glutamic acid (Glu) AGC = Serine (Ser) CCU = Proline (Pro) CAC = Histidine (His) AUG = Methionine (Met) or start codon AUC = Isoleucine (Ile) CCU = Proline (Pro) 7. Sage understood very little of what she learned about AVPR1a. How do gene control protein production? Use your knowledge (from this course so far) to answer Sage's question (2 or 3 sentences). (2pts). - The gene control protein has a two-step process of transcription and translation. During transcription, the DNA’s sequence is copied to make the mRNA which has the nucleus of the cell. In translation, the mRNA is read by the ribosomes to build a specific type of protein for amino acids to later dictate the mRNA sequence. 8. Biotech company wants to create a treatment for infidelity in humans. Suggest an experimental strategy that targets AVPR1a pathway. Briefuly describe the treatment. What techniques or tools would you use? What proteins or genes would you target? Why? - The treatment that targets AVPR1a pathway, the company can used the therapy of small molecule drugs. The CRISPR-Cas9 technology will be an excellent treatment to edit the AVPR1a
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Lazebnik, 2018 - Human Inheritance gene sequence, to remove or alter the alleles associated with infidelity. This gene editing would modify the expression or function of the AVPR1a receptor. By creating a drug that modulates the AVPR1a receptor's activity could also be effective, since it would need to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier to act on the receptor in the brain, where it influences social behavior. 9. From an ethical perspective, do you think that Sage should be worried about Aiden having this particular allele? Why? Why not? - From an ethical perspective, Sage should consider the complexity of human behavior and the limitations of genetic determinism. While some alleles of AVPR1a might be associated with social bonding, they do not dictate behavior with certainty. The behavior is influenced by a multitude of genetic and environmental factors, and the presence of a particular allele does not guarantee infidelity. So, it is important not to overstate its predictive. I think that it is crucial to respect individual privacy, by recognizing that the choice to undergo genetic testing or treatment should be voluntary and by its own discretion.