Allen Institute publishes first brain gene map

2011/06/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Genetika
• Anatomia/Fisiologia

The Allen Institute, an American institute specialized in brain science, has published the first complete genetic and anatomical map of the human brain. In addition, it has made all the data available to researchers, who have put them free on the network.

For the realization of the map the brains of two people have been analyzed, using the most advanced techniques of gene sequencing and representation. Subsequently, the data have been compared and thus, for example, they have verified that the two brains are equal by 94%. Researchers at the Allen Institute found it so similar, but it is not the only thing that surprised them.

In fact, they have realized that the brain represents 82% of all genes in the human genome. According to researchers, this "highlights the complexity of the brain." In turn, it shows "important clues" to better understand the functioning of the brain. In fact, researchers believe it will serve to investigate neurological diseases and other mental disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, autism, drug dependence, multiple sclerosis...

The brain map of the Allen Institute has been assimilated to the GPS navigation system, as it locates 1,000 anatomical places of the human brain and is endowed with more than 100 million points. Each of these points provides information on gene expression and the biochemistry of the place.

In 2006 the Allen Institute published the mouse brain map. This resource was fundamental for research worldwide, so more than 500 published research references the Allen Brain Mouse Atlas. The map of the human brain is now expected to have a similar effect if it is not greater.