Eric Green, M.D., Ph.D.’s Post

RNA modifications are changes in the RNA that occur after it is transcribed. This typically involves attaching small chemicals to specific nucleotides in the RNA molecule, often  further changing the function of the RNA.     Various RNA modifications have been identified, and some have been shown to be important for RNA function. For example, certain modifications help rRNAs maintain their structure in the ribosome, which is important for making proteins.    Over 180 different RNA modifications have been discovered to date, but much remains unknown. Researchers are currently working to develop new methods to detect and study RNA modifications. I encourage you to learn more about RNA in our new fact sheet! https://lnkd.in/eSDpgWrb   

Even with the remarkable similarities among all human genome sequences, it is not appropriate to use a single, or even a few, reference genome sequences to represent all people.      By having a larger collection of reference genome sequences (which can be used to construct a pangenome reference that better represents the many different human populations), researchers will be able to more accurately and more completely detect genomic variants in all people.        Most importantly, a high-quality human pangenome reference will help researchers gain a more-complete understanding about the links between genomic variation and human disease in all populations.      Human Pangenome Reference Consortium is generating a large set of reference human genome sequences (for use in constructing a pangenome reference), which will be more accurate and more diverse than anything previously available. The group aims to reach 350 reference human genome sequences this year.    I encourage you to learn more about NHGRI’s efforts to develop a human pangenome reference! https://lnkd.in/emsMwG7z 

Welcome to another #WildlifeWednesday where each week I share one of my many wildlife photographs! Here I captured a very photogenic iguana in Belize in 2017, a creature who clearly had been taught how to ‘work the angles’ for a good photograph!  

I encourage you to attend NHGRI’s upcoming symposium: “Exploring the many dimensions of sex and gender in the genomics era.” For this event, we are convening experts from the biological and social sciences to discuss the many dimensions of sex and their relationships with gender. You can register for this virtual event here! https://lnkd.in/ehAA92ju 

Do you want to showcase your research that is contributing to the new era of precision health and genomic medicine? Submit an abstract to the AGBT Precision Health 2024 meeting! The organizers (including me!) are seeking submissions from students and researchers at all career levels. Be sure to submit your abstract by this Wednesday, June 26! https://lnkd.in/gjPzCA39 

Did you know that people can vary in the number of sex chromosomes in their bodies? Some people have more than two sex chromosomes in all of their cells, including individuals with three sex chromosomes (likeXXY, XYY, or XXX). Some people have a single sex chromosome, and some peoples’ cells even lose their Y chromosome as they age!The Y chromosome has some very unique features that are areas of active research, many of which may lead to new insights about human health and disease. I encourage you to learn more important facts about the Y chromosome with our infographic! https://lnkd.in/eU_kKiHE

The baseball world (and the entire planet) lost a true legend earlier this week – Willie Mays. He was an amazing player and a great human being. Since childhood, I have saved his 1968 baseball card and an autograph that my father got for me (when they once shared an elevator ride in NYC). Unfortunately, young (age ~9) and ‘naïve” Eric Green attached these two collectables together with adhesive tape – forever plummiting their respective values!!! I like to believe I show better judgement about things these days…