Newly Discovered Genes Play Crucial Role in Human Cell Division

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Cell Genomics, researchers from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) unveiled significant findings regarding the role of recently evolved genes in human cell division. Each day, the human body undergoes approximately 330 billion cell divisions, a complex process governed by the cell cycle, which has evolved since the emergence of the earliest bacteria. This study, led by scientists Romain Forey and Cyril Pulver, aims to elucidate the mechanisms behind the regulation of this vital process through an analysis of gene activity during cell division.

The interdisciplinary research team developed a comprehensive atlas detailing gene expression throughout the human cell cycle, which is now publicly accessible to facilitate further scientific inquiry. "Romain oversaw all of the wet lab experiments and brought in his cell cycle expertise, whilst I took care of the genomics analyses," said Cyril Pulver. Their research, supported by Alex Lederer from the lab of Gioele La Manno, utilized advanced techniques including CRISPR interference to analyze the transcriptomes of 1.9 million cells, providing a rich dataset for understanding the dynamics of cell cycle regulation.

Particularly noteworthy is the discovery of evolved transcription factors, proteins that regulate gene expression, which play crucial roles in controlling the timing of cell division. The research identified transcription factors that emerged relatively recently in evolutionary history, suggesting a significant evolutionary adaptation in the cell cycle mechanisms of humans and primates. For instance, ZNF519, a gene exclusive to primates, was found to be vital for accurate DNA replication prior to cell division. Disabling this gene impeded cells' ability to copy their DNA correctly, leading to slowed growth rates.

Additionally, ZNF274, present in mammals but absent in older species such as reptiles and fish, was shown to regulate the timing of specific genomic duplications linked to epigenomic maintenance and nuclear organization. These findings suggest that the evolution of new genetic components has profound implications for understanding cancer, where dysregulation of the cell cycle is a hallmark.

The research highlights the importance of integrating new genetic players into ancient biological processes, underscoring the complex interplay between evolution and cellular function. The implications of this study extend to the realm of medical research, particularly in understanding why certain cancers and developmental disorders manifest differently in humans compared to other mammals. By providing a comprehensive resource on human cell cycle gene expression, the researchers hope to facilitate further investigations into the genetic underpinnings of cell division and its associated disorders.

In conclusion, this study not only sheds light on the intricacies of cell division but also opens avenues for future research into genetic contributions to human health, particularly concerning diseases linked to cell cycle abnormalities. As scientists continue to explore the genetic landscape of human physiology, such discoveries will be integral to advancing our understanding of both normal and pathological cellular processes.