Human Accelerated Regions: How Non-Coding DNA Sequences Made Us Human
- Authors: Chvilyova A.S1,2
-
Affiliations:
- Novosibirsk State University
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
- Issue: No 3 (2023)
- Pages: 3-10
- Section: Articles
- URL: https://journals.eco-vector.com/0032-874X/article/view/631021
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.7868/S0032874X23030018
- ID: 631021
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Abstract
We have always wondered what made us human. In the post-genomic era we try to find an answer in DNA sequences which are conserved in all animals but are different in humans. These sequences are called human accelerated regions (HARs). They are unique due to their fast evolution. During 6 million years HARs have been accumulating mutations and embedding in population due to their positive selection. To date it is known that HARs regulate certain genes which control embryonic development and neurogenesis in humans. In this article we review our knowledge about HARs, their characteristics and functions as well as evolutionary context of some mental disorders and their connection with HARs.
About the authors
A. S Chvilyova
Novosibirsk State University; Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Email: a.chvileva@g.nsu.ru
Novosibirsk, Russia; Novosibirsk, Russia
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