Genetic secrets make other monkeys

When the entire human genome was sequenced for the first time 13 years ago, scientists were stunned to discover that our DNA was so different from its relatives - monkeys. Large like chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas or monkey bonono. In fact, the difference is only 1.2%.

A new study has revealed, most of the differences between humans and the aforementioned large monkeys may lie in another type of genetic material. They discovered that short fragments of RNA (a single chain molecule, made up of the same chemicals as DNA), changed the functional activity of our genes.

Short, typical human RNA fragments have changed the functional activity of our genes.

From this study, the scientists identified four microARN variants (short RNA fragments) that exist only in humans and change the way we express our DNA: miR-299-3p, miR-503- 3p, miR-508-3p and miR-541-3p . The researchers said that these tiny pieces of genetic material could play a key role in shaping how humans evolved.

MicroARN are short, unencrypted nucleotide molecular chains found in most species on Earth. Unlike DNA, which is made up of two nucleotide chains, forms a double helix, RNA molecules exist as single chains. They play a role in translating the information contained within DNA into functional proteins in the cell.

But some microARNs also play other roles, such as the molecular machine inside biological cells. They bind closely to DNA fragments to neutralize the expression of certain genes or change the structure of proteins.

MicroARN are short, unencrypted nucleotide molecular chains.

According to the research report, two of the above microARNs are found to be concentrated in human brain tissue and can affect genes that make a difference in how nerve cells work, then the whole Human brain compared to other animals. Two other microARN variants are thought to affect human development.

Writing in the journal Public Library of Science One, Dr. Alicia Gallego from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Spain and colleagues stressed: "We think that molecular changes can be detected, possibly has transformed the essential functions of microARN, shaping the forms that ultimately characterize humans ".