A substantial fraction of almost every genome sequenced consists of genes that have no known function and that do not have sequence similarity to any genes with known function. How would your approach change if the genes of unknown function were in the human genome?

Key Concepts

Gene Function and Annotation

Gene function refers to the specific roles that genes play in the biological processes of an organism. Annotation involves identifying and describing these functions based on experimental data and computational predictions. In the context of genomes, understanding gene function is crucial for interpreting the biological significance of genes, especially those without known functions.

Comparative Genomics

Comparative genomics is the study of the similarities and differences in the genomes of different species. This approach can help identify conserved genes and functions across species, providing insights into the evolutionary significance of genes. When analyzing genes of unknown function in the human genome, comparative genomics can reveal potential homologs in other organisms, aiding in functional predictions.

Functional Genomics

Functional genomics focuses on understanding the complex relationships between genes and their functions within the genome. Techniques such as gene knockout, RNA interference, and CRISPR can be employed to investigate the roles of genes with unknown functions. In the human genome, this approach is particularly important due to ethical considerations and the need for precise functional characterization in a medically relevant context.