Common genetic factors for hematological traits in Humans

Genetic Basis of Mechanosensory Traits in Humans

Association of Common Genetic Variants in the MAP4K4 Locus with Prediabetic Traits in Humans

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) is expressed in all diabetes-relevant tissues and mediates cytokine-induced insulin resistance. We investigated whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the MAP4K4 locus associate with glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, impaired insulin release, or elevated plasma cytokines. The best hit was tested for associ...

A Genetic Basis for Mechanosensory Traits in Humans

In all vertebrates hearing and touch represent two distinct sensory systems that both rely on the transformation of mechanical force into electrical signals. There is an extensive literature describing single gene mutations in humans that cause hearing impairment, but there are essentially none for touch. Here we first asked if touch sensitivity is a heritable trait and second whether there are...

Adult Neurogenesis in Humans- Common and Unique Traits in Mammals

New neurons are continuously generated in specific regions in the adult brain. Studies in rodents have demonstrated that adult-born neurons have specific functional features and mediate neural plasticity. Data on the extent and dynamics of adult neurogenesis in adult humans are starting to emerge, and there are clear similarities and differences compared to other mammals. Why do these differenc...

Common genetic variation and human traits.

T human genome has been cracked wide open in recent years and is spilling many of its secrets. More than 100 genome­ wide association studies have been conducted for scores of hu­ man diseases, identifying hun­ dreds of polymorphisms that are widely seen to influence disease risk. After many years in which the study of complex human traits was mired in false claims and methodologic inconsistenc...