Gene Expression in Chromosomal Ridge Domains

Chromosomes are the long DNA molecules that carry the genetic code of our genes. Each gene encodes a protein, but also contains the information that controls t... » 

Chromosomes are the long DNA molecules that carry the genetic code of our genes. Each gene encodes a protein, but also contains the information that controls the activity of that gene. In this thesis, we find that chromosomal domains with many active genes (so-called 'Ridges'), also control gene activity. Our results imply that Ridges facilitate the high activity of important genes. Ridges might thus provide an alternative mechanism for changes in gene activity during human evolution. «