Molecule 'creates complex humans'

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A new study has found the human body is more complicated than our genes suggest because of molecules called RNA.

Humans only have about as many genes as a fruit fly, and usually RNA interacts with these genes to produce the proteins that make up our bodies.

The Edinburgh University study suggests some RNA can instead regulate how much protein is produced - a more complex process than in simpler organisms.

The team studied RNA in yeast, which is biologically similar to humans.

The Edinburgh scientists found that a particular type of RNA in yeast appears to have evolved to fine-tune a set of genes.

Humans have around 24,000 genes, fewer than many plants and not many more than simple worms Prof David TollerveyEdinburgh University As yeast is biologically similar to plants and animals, including humans, the researchers believe it is likely that we have RNA which carries out a similar function.

Prof David Tollervey, of the School of Biological Sciences, who carried out the research, said: "Humans have around 24,000 genes, fewer than many plants and not many more than simple worms.

"But, of course, we are actually much more complex than this comparison suggests.

"Our findings suggest that RNA plays a role in adding layers of complexity to the regulation of expression of our genes."

The study, carried out with UCLA and funded by the Wellcome Trust, was published in the journal, Molecular Cell.