银屑病 z-bo 2020-12-16 376

　　The evolution of the tortoise shell is very successful, and its defensive function can clearly distinguish sea turtles, tortoises and other reptiles. In this study, a working group led by Leopold Eckhart studied the functions of genes in the skin of European freshwater turtle shells and North American sea turtles and compared them with genes in human skin.

　　The results of the study show that the formation of the hard shell is the result of a group of gene mutations called the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). A comparison of the genome data of various reptiles shows that the EDC mutation occurred about 2.5 billion years ago when the tortoise parted ways with other reptiles.

　　 Humans and sea turtles have a common ancestor

　　 It is worth noting that the basic organization of EDC genes is similar in humans and turtles. This can lead to the following conclusion: typical EDC genes evolved from a common ancestor, and they lived 3.1 billion years ago, similar to modern reptiles.

　　In sea turtles, genes evolved to form proteins, which caused the outer layer of the skin to strengthen cross-linking, which hardened significantly to form a shell. In humans, the EDC gene protects the skin from microorganisms and allergens.

　　 This new study shows that genes related to human evolution have protective functions, and they are also present in turtles and other reptiles. It is hoped that the interaction of proteins can be better explained by comparing human and animal skins. In the future, this result may be used in medicine, such as improving the treatment of psoriasis, because the EDC gene mutation is found in psoriasis.