Chromosome Y News and Research

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The Y chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes in humans (the other is the X chromosome). The sex chromosomes form one of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes in each cell. The Y chromosome spans about 58 million base pairs (the building blocks of DNA) and represents almost 2 percent of the total DNA in cells.

Each person normally has one pair of sex chromosomes in each cell. The Y chromosome is present in males, who have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes.

Identifying genes on each chromosome is an active area of genetic research. Because researchers use different approaches to predict the number of genes on each chromosome, the estimated number of genes varies. The Y chromosome likely contains between 70 and 200 genes. Because only males have the Y chromosome, the genes on this chromosome tend to be involved in male sex determination and development. Sex is determined by the SRY gene, which is responsible for the development of a fetus into a male. Other genes on the Y chromosome are important for male fertility.

Many genes are unique to the X or Y chromosome, but genes in an area known as the pseudoautosomal region are present on both chromosomes. As a result, men and women each have two functional copies of these genes. Many genes in the pseudoautosomal region are essential for normal development.

Genes on the Y chromosome are among the estimated 20,000 to 25,000 total genes in the human genome.

Gene discovery could pave the way for new and more effective treatments for lupus

Researchers from The Australian National University have identified a gene called TLR7 that, when over-activated, is responsible for causing lupus, an autoimmune disease that can be life-threatening in severe cases.

27 Apr 2022

CRISPR/Cas9 deletions induce adverse on-target genomic effects

Researchers utilized a CRISPR/Cas9 system to evaluate the usage of tRNA by deleting two tRNA genes from the genomes of hyper hepatocellular carcinoma and human near-haploid chronic myeloid leukemia cells.

27 Apr 2022

A novel mouse model to test SARS-CoV-2 viral infection

In a recent study posted to the Research Square* preprint server, researchers developed a novel mouse model for testing infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

26 Apr 2022

Role of complement factor H-related protein 5 in venous thromboembolism and COVID-19

A new study discussed the role of complement factor H-related protein 5 (CFHR5) in venous thromboembolism (VTE) patients and hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

25 Apr 2022

Insight into the future of genetic testing

In this interview, we speak to Sheetal Parmar, vice president of medical affairs and head of clinical services at Natera, about their cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing services.

From Natera 15 Apr 2022

Improving our understanding of a severe pregnancy sickness (Hyperemesis Gravidarum)

News-Medical talks to Dr. Marlena Fejzo about a breakthrough in the understanding of hyperemesis gravidarum, and how it could improve maternal health around the world.

5 Apr 2022

Human genome sequenced in its entirety for the first time

An international team of almost one hundred scientists has uncovered the complete, gap-free human genome by deciphering the remaining and hitherto unknown sequences – opening the door for novel approaches to treat various diseases. This seminal, historical study is published in the renowned journal Science.

3 Apr 2022

UW Medicine scientists contribute to the publication of first complete, gapless genome sequence

UW Medicine genome scientists were among the leading contributors to the publication of the first complete, gapless sequence of a human genome announced this week by the National Human Genome Research Institute.

31 Mar 2022

Study identifies 10 new genetic regions linked with Brugada syndrome

A recent study published in Nature Genetics identified 10 new genetic regions associated with Brugada syndrome, a cardiac arrhythmia disorder associated with sudden death in young adults.

30 Mar 2022

$4 million program launched to find transformative therapies for ADNP syndrome

Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute are launching a $4 million program to find transformative therapies for ADNP syndrome. The rare genetic condition causes developmental delays and can affect the brain, heart, gastrointestinal system and more.

29 Mar 2022

Biologists discover gene deletion behind abnormality in blood cancer cells

The mystery is being unraveled of why the control centers, or nuclei, of certain blood cancer cells have a distinctly odd shape.

27 Mar 2022

RNA-chopping enzyme Dicer stabilizes mammalian chromosomes with the help of BRD4 activator

Cells use RNA as a versatile tool to regulate the activity of their genes. Small snippets of RNA can fine-tune how much protein is produced from various genes; some small RNAs can shut genes off altogether.

17 Mar 2022

Cell fusion could be a potential therapeutic strategy to treat retinal damage

Fusing human retinal cells with adult stem cells could be a potential therapeutic strategy to treat retinal damage and visual impairment, according to the findings of a new study published in the journal eBioMedicine.

15 Mar 2022

First genetic rat model of Down syndrome offers better understanding of the condition

In pursuit of better ways to test new therapies and further explore the impacts of the unique genetics associated with Down syndrome, researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and Tottori University in Japan have genetically engineered and characterized what is believed to be the first rat model of Down syndrome.

14 Mar 2022

Researchers investigate a predictive tool for the progression of rheumatoid arthritis

Predicting the future may be beyond our grasp, but what about predicting disease progression? Researchers in Japan have delved into the human genome to investigate a predictive tool for the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory autoimmune disease showing progressive joint damage.

7 Mar 2022

Study shows the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on epigenetic signature of genes

Gender-affirming hormone therapy could influence the way a person's genes are turned on or off, according to a new study.

28 Feb 2022

Neanderthal gene makes people susceptible to COVID-19, but protects against HIV

A study recently published in the top-tier journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) shows how a specific gene flow from Neandertals can act as a double-edged sword by increasing the risk for the development of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and at the same time decreasing the risk for the infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

23 Feb 2022

Chromosome Y News and Research

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