Ambros, a geneticist, adapted traditional gene discovery approaches to identifying these little genes. Such studies only became possible since the genomes --the total package of hereditary information-- of humans and other species have been sequenced, and since bioinformatics advances have facilitated computer analysis of vast genetic data stores.
In the commonality of life, C. elegans, with its relatively simple genetic apparatus, is a stepping stone to discovering important gene products that are probably performing similar functions in humans. Sequencing tiny RNAs found in C. elegans and comparing their sequences with genome databases of other worms, as well as with insects, mice and humans, the researchers identified the new genes.
"These little RNAs are unusual; they dont make protein. What they actually do is interfere with the messenger RNAs that do make protein. The key is that here is a match between the little RNA and its target, and the microRNA binds to the target and makes it incompetent to translate its message into protein," Ambros said.
Genomes contain sequences that are important for what a gene does, as well as other, less important regions; the important sequences are often similar or identical across species. By looking for identical sequences in different genomes, scientists can zero in on those that are functionally important.
Ambros first compared the genomes of C. elegans, sequenced in 1999 and a related worm, C. briggsae, completed in June. The work illustrates how quickly genetics is moving. "Suddenly we could compare these two genomes
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Contact: Hali Wickner
hali.wickner@dartmouth.edu
603-650-1520
Dartmouth Medical School
25-Oct-2001