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The cause of genetic diseases can also be found in "gene deserts”

A DNA sequence represented by the letters A, C, T and G
Even in regions of the genome that do not code for proteins, changes in the DNA sequence can have far-reaching consequences. (Symbolic image: MIKI Yoshihito, flickr CC BY 2.0)

Large parts of the human genome do not contain protein-coding genes. Now, however, a research team with participation from the University of Basel has discovered the cause of a severe hereditary defect in such a "gene desert". The study in the scientific journal Nature shows that a single genetic change in the "junk DNA" long thought to be useless can have serious consequences.

11 February 2021

A DNA sequence represented by the letters A, C, T and G
Even in regions of the genome that do not code for proteins, changes in the DNA sequence can have far-reaching consequences. (Symbolic image: MIKI Yoshihito, flickr CC BY 2.0)
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