New Technology Reveals More Genome Complexity (article)

Institute for Creation Research ^ | January 23, 2013 | Jeffrey Tomkins, Ph.D.

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New Technology Reveals More Genome Complexity by Jeffrey Tomkins, Ph.D. *

A new type of DNA sequencing technology has been developed and used to identify and characterize key regions of the genome called "enhancer" sequences.1 These are novel DNA features that were once thought to be a part of the so-called "junk DNA" regions of the genome. These key elements are now proven to be part of the indispensable and irreducibly complex design inherent to proper gene function for all types and categories of genes.

The new technology described in this report is called STARR-seq, or "self-transcribing active regulatory region sequencing." This new technique allows for the more effective identification and characterization of enhancer sequences, which help recruit proteins called transcription factors that regulate gene activity. Enhancers are found in the non-protein coding regions of the genome both within and surrounding genes. In the past, enhancers have been difficult to characterize accurately.

This new study adds yet another layer of deduced complexity in the ever-increasing field of study into how genes and their complex networks are regulated in the genome. Noting this phenomena, the study authors wrote, "Together, this suggests that transcription of a large number of genes, including ubiquitously expressed housekeeping genes, is complex and controlled by numerous enhancers per gene—even in a single cell type."1

This new technology and the increased picture of complexity described by it add even more weight to the fact that the genome is completely functional and irreducibly complex. This is a fact recently highlighted by 30 simultaneously published research papers in the 2012 ENCODE (encyclopedia of DNA elements) project reports.

In the lead ENCODE research paper, published in the journal Nature, the authors wrote, "These data enabled us to assign biochemical functions for 80% of the genome, in particular outside of the well-studied protein-coding regions."2 For a recent review of the ENCODE discoveries and their significance to the creation-evolution debate, see the recent review of ENCODE in Acts & Facts.3

Clearly, as this type of research progresses, the only viable conclusion is that God the Creator is clearly seen in His amazing creation. Indeed, He declares in His Word that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works" (Psalm 139:14).

References

Arnold, C. D. et al. Genome-Wide Quantitative Enhancer Activity Maps Identified by STARR-seq. Science. Posted on sciencemag.org January 17, 2013, accessed January 21, 2013.

The ENCODE Project Consortium. 2012. An integrated encyclopedia of DNA elements in the human genome. Nature. 489 (7414): 57-74.

Tomkins, J. 2012. Junk DNA Myth Continues Its Demise. Acts & Facts. 41 (11): 11-13.

* Dr. Tomkins is a Research Associate and received his Ph.D. in Genetics from Clemson University.

Article posted on January 23, 2013.

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Image is from the original article.

[jagusafr]

I do love the fact that the deeper they go, the more amazing God is. He meets them at every level and says, “Hey, guys! Welcome to my workshop!”

[SMARTY]

“These are novel DNA features that were once thought to be a part of the so-called “junk DNA” regions of the genome.”

No ‘scientist’ worth the name could believe there is anything in nature that can be characterized as ‘junk’.

[SMARTY]

“These are novel DNA features that were once thought to be a part of the so-called “junk DNA” regions of the genome.”

No ‘scientist’ worth the name could believe there is anything in nature that can be characterized as ‘junk’.

[SMARTY]

“These are novel DNA features that were once thought to be a part of the so-called “junk DNA” regions of the genome.”

No ‘scientist’ worth the name could believe there is anything in nature that can be characterized as ‘junk’.

[MuttTheHoople]

But the ignorant, superstitous, Regressive left, all life is nothing but protoplasmic blobs.

[circlecity]

LOL. I remember just 10 years ago the evolutionists were citing “junk DNA” as proof positive of evolution. Now we know there’s no such thing as Junk DNA. Over and over we see with science that tomorrows discoverie’s shatter today’s dogmas. Thus, there no way to say science disproves the bible unless and until one knows all the scientifice facts regarding creation there are to know. And that’s never going to happen.

[chrisser]

I was watching a PBS (I know, I know) special on dogs.

It was a lecture at a local university (CWRU).

The lecturer was explaining how dog morphology didn’t necessarily indicate genetic ancestry. In other words, dogs in various parts of the world had similar features (looked the same), but when they traced the genetic lineage, it turned out the dogs had all taken different evolutionary pathways.

It struck me as very interesting. Something as common as a dog and it turns out the attributes are essentially “built into” the genome and you can’t tell that from morphology alone - the attributes get expressed independently in different geographic areas by currently unknown processes.

And then it occured to me that virtually the entire fossil record is built solely on morphology. How much of that is as wrong as the morphological assumptions on dog development turned out to be?

[petro45acp]

Wonderful! Amazing! Brilliant!

Now..Just for the heck of it..CURE SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

go ahead, you know you want to. Not therapy, not treatment, not prolonging of life with horrid side effects.....

.....A CURE!!!!!!!

Tell the government regulatory agencies you are on to something and to stop joggling your elbow!

.....A CURE!!!

Tell big pharma that although there is nothing wrong with making a profit, you want to try THIS for a change!

.....A CURE!!!

Doesn’t have to be big. No more toe nail fungus, common cold, or receding hair line.

Diabetes (the government and big pharma gonna hate that one!!)
Cancer (no more silly runs to raise “awareness,” meaning sponsoring more awareness runs, t-shirts, wristbands, etc.)
Make many young parents around the world happy and eradicate autism (no quip here, just do it)

we get it, the amount of time, money, and intellect involved in performing this research is staggering. If you would just get up off your research-grant-deadened-a55es and produce the least little practical cure, imagine how much better you will feel.

AAAAAANd, by cure, that is the disease/affliction is GONE....NEVER COMING BACK......NEVER OCCURRING AGAIN......

.......EXTINCT!!!!!

Try it on for size.

Yes, this is personal, Your Mileage May Vary

[UCANSEE2]

the attributes get expressed independently in different geographic areas by currently unknown processes.

So that's why Japanese Catfish look 'Japanese'.

[UCANSEE2]

Watch these High quality animations of GOD’S WONDERFUL MACHINES.

Molecular Visualizations of DNA - Original High Quality Version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPcT1uUZiE

Harvard Cell Animation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GigxU1UXZXo

[Lake Living]

In Rev. 14:6 and following it states that an angel of the Lord flies back and forth across the face of the earth preaching the everlasting gospel of the Kingdom of God and yet... the population of the earth still does not repent. It doesn’t matter what the scientific facts are. No amount of factual information will change hearts and minds hardened against the Lord. It does help (a little) to encourage those that already love Him. It just shows how awesome His is!

[fishtank]

Yep.

ICR is doing work in exactly that area, based on the “kinds” of creatures that God ... created.