Brain mapping pinpoints location of genes

Research into neurodegenerative diseases could be helped by a project that shows for the first time where thousands of genes are located in the human brain. Scientists have created a map or "atlas” of genes in the brain and found that at least 84 per cent of all genes encoded in our DNA are active in the brain. This study demonstrates the value of a global analysis of gene expression throughout the entire brain and has implications for understanding brain function, development, evolution and disease." Ed Lein Allen Institute for Brain Science and co-lead author on the paper. Implications. The study was carried out by the Allen Institute for Brain Science in America in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and other institutes. Experts say that knowing where each and every gene works could help identify genetic abnormalities when communication breaks down between nerve cells in the brain. This could help research into brain conditions such as Huntingdon's and Parkinson's diseases.