Chromosome 9 and 10 Decoded

Chromosomes 9 and 10 of humans, known to be relevant with many diseases including cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, have been completely decoded.

The research team led by Professor Sean Humphray at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute of the U.K. recently finished the genetic map of chromosomes 9 and 10, reported AFP on May 27. The team published the landmark reports on the recent issue (released on May 27) of Nature, a science magazine.

According to their findings, chromosome 9 is comprised of 1,149 genes and 426 pseudo-genes that are similar to actual genes but have no genetic functions.

Among them, 95 genes are related to many diseases including neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease. If gene CDKN2A, which suppresses the generation of tumors, mutates or is missing, cutaneous cancer can occur.

Chromosome 10 is comprised of 816 genes and 430 pseudo-genes, and 85 genes are revealed to be implicated in breast cancer, prostate cancer and brain tumors.

Professor Humphray noted, “In particular, genes relevant to complex metabolic disorders such as type 1 diabetes, mental disorders such as schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s are in chromosome 10.”

Ho-Gab Lee gdt@donga.com