Primates' unique gene regulation mechanism: Little-understood DNA elements serve important purpose

Primates' unique gene regulation mechanism: Little-understood DNA elements serve important purpose

ScienceDaily (Feb. 9, 2011) — Scientists have discovered a new way genes are regulated that is unique to primates, including humans and monkeys. Though the human genome -- all the genes that an individual possesses -- was sequenced 10 years ago, greater understanding of how genes function and are regulated is needed to make advances in medicine, including changing the way we diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of diseases.