The paper investigates how the heart of humans and non-human primates has developed at the molecular level and which genetic innovations have emerged in the process. The scientists analysed gene activity and protein synthesis in heart tissue and in cells cultivated from stem cells. They discovered hundreds of new genes and small gene segments (so-called sORFs) that could play a role in heart function and found that some of these elements are unique to humans. Particularly striking were changes in genes involved in energy production, suggesting evolutionary adaptations. The results illustrate how molecular mechanisms influence the development of the human heart and susceptibility to disease.
Link to the Publication:
Evolution of translational control and the emergence of genes and open reading frames in human and non-human primate hearts (Ruiz-Orera et al., Nature cardiovascular Research, 2024)
