Release date: 2013-01-04
In a new study, the researchers revealed how red blood cells formed and how the body regulates the amount of hemoglobin encapsulated in red blood cells. They also used genomic analysis techniques to double the number of gene regions that might be involved in red blood cell formation, and subsequent studies of fruit flies helped to gain insight into the role of these gene regions. The relevant research results were published online in the journal Nature on December 5.
Researchers used genome-wide association studies to identify regions of genes that appear to affect red blood cell formation and their hemoglobin content. John Berns, co-author of the paper and researcher at Imperial College London, said, "We studied the genetic effects behind the six different physical parameters of red blood cells. The co-authors of these papers reflect the number and volume of red blood cells and the level of hemoglobin. We are 135367 Humans conducted an initial genetic association study and identified 75 gene regions that directly affect the different characteristics of these red blood cells. More than half of them (43) were newly discovered in humans."
The researchers then used computational biology to closely study the 75 gene regions and 3,000 genes responsible for protein production in these regions. They prefer 121 candidate genes or genes that may modulate one of the characteristics of red blood cells, and use information about the model system (from public databases and newly generated fruit fly data) to study their function.
Paper co-author Willem Ouwehand said, "Our research confirms how model systems such as flies and mice can be used to gain insight into human genetics. We searched the mouse genome database and found that we have 121 candidate genes. 29 of them were associated with red blood cell formation in mice."
Previous studies have shown that when these genes are turned off, mice often produce low levels of red blood cells and suffer from anemia. These findings in mice have led researchers to believe that the remaining candidate genes may play an important role in regulating human red blood cell formation.
To further the study, the researchers then reduced or silenced the activity of these candidate genes in Drosophila. Although Drosophila does not have red blood cells, they share some of the genetic functions that lead to the production of blood components. These studies confirm that a group of genes involved in controlling human red blood cell characteristics also play an important role in blood cell formation in Drosophila.
These findings may help people culture red blood cells in the laboratory for clinical treatment and may also help improve treatment for patients with hereditary anemia.
Source: Bio Valley
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