A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience has found that mice with a genetic mutation similar to the one affecting human speech also have difficulty producing complex vocal patterns. The study suggests that the FOXP2 gene regulates not only human speech but also mouse vocal communication.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute found that certain mutations can be maintained in populations if they have a heterozygote disadvantage, reducing their spread. This could help achieve safer release of genetically modified animals, such as mosquitoes resistant to malaria.
A study in JAMA found that low HDL cholesterol levels due to a genetic mutation do not increase the risk of ischemic heart disease. Instead, the researchers discovered that low HDL cholesterol was associated with a lower risk of IHD in certain populations.
Researchers investigated XPD allele interactions using compound heterozygote mice, finding that combinations of mutant alleles alleviated disease symptoms and improved gene function. This challenges the existing monoallelic paradigm, suggesting biallelic effects may occur in some patients.
Researchers found that individuals with one mutated parkin gene and one normal gene (heterozygotes) developed Parkinson's disease 11.7 years earlier than those with no mutations, indicating a stronger genetic effect than previously recognized.