Image of the Month: Humans are complex genetic mosaics
“We are all walking mosaics of genetically distinct cells,” said Dr. Margaret Goodell. “Every cell acquires about one mutation each division after fertilization, resulting in a vast amount of genetic diversity across all the cells in our bodies by the time we are born.”
The Image of the Month reflects the genetic diversity found in the human body and other mammals. The relevance of genetic mosaicism on development and disease was discussed by Goodell, Sarah M. Waldvogel and Dr. Jennifer E. Posey in a review paper published in Nature Genetics.
In this article, the authors highlight that, despite embryonic mosaicism having clinical implications for genetic disease severity and transmission, it is likely an under-recognized phenomenon.
Learn more about the research conducted in the Goodell lab, here.
Dr. Margaret Goodell is professor of molecular and cellular biology, Vivian L. Smith Chair in Regenerative Medicine and Director of the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center (STaR) at Baylor College of Medicine. She also is a member of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT) and co-leader, Cancer Cell and Gene Therapy of the Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor.
Dr. Jennifer E. Posey, assistant professor of molecular and human genetics at Baylor.
Dr. Sarah M. Waldvogel is in Baylor’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD) in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.
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