|
Discussion |
We have looked at how a partial amino acid sequence can be identified with its associated protein (so long as that protein has been identified) with the use of several detailed databases. NCBI, EntrezGene and PubMed were among the databases which were utilized in building this webpage.
We identified the amino acid sequence given in the “Objective” section as belonging to the Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) protein. We also identified the gene associated with the TERT protein and considered its structure by identifying key portions of the gene (introns, exons etc.). The gene itself comprises of over 50000 base pairs, and has 16 exons and 15 introns. We were also able to identify the promoter region, the 5’ UTR, and the 3’ UTR.
Using the same databases, we identified possible links between TERT expression and two forms of cancer. The studies we analyzed showed that the TERT gene plays a crucial role in early stages of lung cancer and cervical cancer. This revelation can perhaps lead to future advances in battling these two dangerous diseases. Only time will tell.
All this was made possible through the utilization of the various databases, which have been constructed as a result of rigorous research by many scientists over many years. With the help of molecular biology and bioinformatics, vast amounts of information are now readily available at the click of a button, and more is being added everyday.
Ó
2007 Faiz Siddiqui