Researchers at the University at Buffalo discovered something quite fascinating. They discovered that a type of human gene benefits the body in several different ways. This gene is prevalent. Approximately 75% of the population possesses it. It was previously known to guard against brain issues. Today, these researchers discovered it also enhances the immune system.
The new findings were published in a science paper titled eBioMedicine. This gene, CHRFAM7A, is unique to humans. It arose after humans diverged from chimpanzees many years ago.
Researchers have examined this gene for its role in mental illnesses. The Buffalo group had already demonstrated how this gene defends against memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. But its role in the immune system was unclear.
Dr. Kinga Szigeti directed the research. She is a professor at the University at Buffalo and holds a doctorate. She indicated her team wasn’t surprised that the gene enhances immunity.
Better Immunity
Dr. Szigeti explained that they always believed this gene assisted individuals in living longer. Due to this assistance, more and more individuals had it. This implied that it provided individuals with a better immune system.
The new study illustrates how it does this. It appears to be connected to their previous work with the brain.
It was last year that the same researchers discovered that active CHRFAM7A makes brain cells more adaptable. They discovered it does this by stimulating something known as actin cytoskeleton. This provides structure to cells. It toughens up brain cells. This protection shields against brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Now, the researchers have discovered that activation of this gene to actin cytoskeleton also enhances the immune system’s functioning.
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Dr. Szigeti described that when human cells evolved with this cytoskeleton, they acquired a new function. This function allows them to combat infections in the body more efficiently.
She added CHRFAM7A alters calcium signaling in the cell. Calcium signaling is an extremely ancient method through which cells communicate. Dr. Szigeti said this signaling change changes how the actin is organized. This makes cells tougher on the outside. It creates a stronger shield. This shield is called lamellipodia.
Getting Through Barriers
The CHRFAM7A cells have another benefit to the immune system. Dr. Szigeti explained that the immune system requires a mechanism to access infections within tissues. The CHRFAM7A cells found a novel means of doing so. They can penetrate through the extracellular matrix. This is similar to the tissue of organs. This allows them to access areas that do not receive much blood flow or have been harmed by disease.
Due to this function, immune cells can travel to infections more quickly. This allows the infection to be brought under control earlier. Bacteria or viruses have less time to grow, she said.
Since this gene influences calcium signaling, it probably does a lot of other things in the body. Calcium signaling is crucial for a lot of fundamental cell processes, such as how cells consume energy. It may also influence how diseases emerge.
Dr. Szigeti explained that genes that are found only in humans provide individuals with unique human characteristics. Laboratory animals typically do not possess these genes. As a result, animal tests may not reflect very well how some medications will perform in humans.
Dr. Szigeti said that so far, it is clear that the active form of CHRFAM7A protects against several problems. She thinks this research could help find new targets for important medicines.
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Studying Human Cells
To do this study, the team used special human stem cells. These cells had the gene change made in them. Dr. Szigeti explained that they employed human cells that have the potential to be the immune system’s first responders. They are referred to as monocytes. They experimented with how these cells could migrate into materials that are intended to be similar to human tissue. They experimented with healthy and diseased tissue models.
To date, this gene has been associated with the overall body response to inflammation. It has also been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the lethal immune reaction in severe COVID-19, brain issues in individuals with HIV, arthritis, and cancer spreading.
The Buffalo team is now investigating what this gene does within the human brain, in IBD, and in cancer spreading.
The Gene’s Many Roles
This uniquely human gene protects so widely and is so protective is a great discovery. It indicates how our evolution as human beings has caused our bodies to have special methods of defending ourselves. That it guards both the brain and immune system indicates how very significant a role it likely plays in keeping us healthy as human beings.
How this gene makes cells stronger and able to navigate through tissues has important ramifications. It may account for why humans can ward off infections more effectively in some cases. It also gives new hope for the treatment of diseases where the immune system or brain function is impaired.
Future studies will most likely examine more about how this gene functions. Researchers will want to know how it actually alters calcium signaling and actin cytoskeleton. They will also want to see how it functions in all of the diseases it has been implicated in.
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Learning more about this gene may provide new therapies for many diseases. Since the gene is specifically human, these therapies may be tailored to human biology. This may make them more effective and have fewer side effects than therapies designed based on animal models.
The work of the University at Buffalo researchers highlights the importance of studying uniquely human genes. These genes may hold the key to understanding and treating diseases that are specific to our species. As research continues, this “superpower gene” could reveal even more secrets about human health and disease. Its role in both brain protection and immune enhancement makes it a promising area for future medical breakthroughs.
