Comparisons between human and chimpanzee genomes indicate that a gene that may function as a wild-type or normal gene in one primate may function as a disease-causing gene in another [The Chimpanzee Sequencing and Analysis Consortium (2005). Nature 437:69–87]. For instance, the PPARG locus (regulator of adipocyte differentiation) is a wild-type allele in chimps but is clearly associated with Type 2 diabetes in humans. What factors might cause this apparent contradiction? Would you consider such apparent contradictions to be rare or common? What impact might such findings have on the use of comparative genomics to identify and design therapies for disease-causing genes in humans?
Comparisons between human and chimpanzee genomes indicate
that a gene that may function as a wild-type or normal gene in one
primate may function as a disease-causing gene in another [The
Chimpanzee Sequencing and Analysis Consortium (2005). Nature
437:69–87]. For instance, the PPARG locus (regulator of adipocyte
differentiation) is a wild-type allele in chimps but is clearly associated
with Type 2 diabetes in humans. What factors might cause
this apparent contradiction? Would you consider such apparent
contradictions to be rare or common? What impact might such
findings have on the use of comparative genomics to identify and
design therapies for disease-causing genes in humans?
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