Individuals and populations differ in gene activity levels, not ...( een genetic information and gene expres...)

een genetic information and gene expression is like the difference between computer hardware, which are the genes themselves, and computer software, which tells the computer what to do on the hardware," explained Storey. "We looked at what's happening inside the body, beyond what's hard-wired into the genes."

Scientists have known for many years about genetic variation, in which individual letters in the genetic code change between individuals and between different populations. However, this study is one of the first to look at the variation in gene activity between individuals and populations.

The researchers found many differences in gene-expression levels, and that about 17 percent of those differences were due to population-level differences. The vast majority of the gene-expression variation was due to random differences between individuals, and was not tied to ancestral population or biological "race."

"It's important to remember that differences between population groups are much less abundant than those you would see if you just compared two randomly selected individuals," said Storey. "This means that populations have a lot more similarities than differences when it comes to gene expression."

Their findings may help us better understand how human populations are structured and interrelated, and could also help explain evolutionary development of humans from our ancient ancestors to present day. The research may also help us understand why some people are more susceptible than others to complex genetic diseases.

'"/>

Contact: Justin Reedy
jreedy@u.washington.edu
206-685-0382
University of Washington
1-Mar-2007


Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Individuals with genetic conditions twice as likely to report health insurance denial
2. Researchers track snakes to study populations, behavior
3. Caribbean frog populations started with single, ancient voyage on South American raft
4. Viable tiger populations, tiger trade incompatible
5. Simulated populations used to probe gene mapping
6. Antarctic warming to reduce animals at base of ecosystem, shift some penguin populations southward
7. Researchers make progress in studying genetic traits of India-born populations
8. Ongoing collapse of coral reef shark populations
9. Floating lovers count too -- in the health of eagle populations
10. Commercial fishing causes dangerous fluctuations in fish populations
11. Urgent call to action issued to protect worlds most vulnerable populations from influenza pandemic