Boffins want help to name gene
MELBOURNE scientists have discovered a new gene that helps our body fight off infections, which could help develop new ways to tackle autoimmune diseases, influenza and some cancers.
But the boffins have hit a stumbling block: the gene needs a name.
It’s currently called C6orf106 or C6, which refers to its location in the human genome.
CSIRO lead researcher Dr Cameron Stewart said they were hoping the public could help them find a name that reflects the gene’s vital role in the immune system.
“We are hoping ‘geneymcgene-face’ is not among the suggestions,” he joked. “Both myself and the other lead researcher on this project are big supporters of the Melbourne Demons so we wondered if we should name it after Christian Petracca, but I’m not sure how that would fly either.”
Dr Stewart and his colleague Dr Rebecca Ambrose discovered the gene while investigating how the Hendra virus, which affects horses, uses its host’s body to survive and thrive.
Go to csiro.au/namethe gene to suggest a name for the new gene.