For many of us, the mechanisms that regulate rhythmic bodily functions such as breathing, swallowing food, or urination remain shrouded in mystery. Recently, scientists from the University of Utah, USA, have begun to unveil this mystery…
The researchers discovered a special gene that controls cyclical activities in the roundworm species. According to the researchers, this particular gene has also been found in several other mammals, including humans.
This special gene is called vav-1. In roundworms, when scientists deactivated this gene, functions such as swallowing food completely ceased, leading to the worms’ death shortly thereafter. When the function of this gene was partially restored, the roundworms could swallow food, but their reproductive functions were disrupted, resulting in symptoms of constipation.
Professor of Biology Andres Villu Maricq, a member of the research team, stated: “We have successfully identified the gene that regulates rhythmic activities in roundworms. Since a similar gene has been found in several mammalian species, we believe our research opens a new direction, highlighting the significant role of this gene and other related genes in controlling rhythmic activities in humans and other animals.”
According to Professor Andres Villu Maricq, the vav-1 gene in roundworms shares similarities with three types of genes found in humans. With these findings, the mystery surrounding the control of rhythmic activities in humans is gradually being unveiled, alongside ongoing research efforts in the future.
