"Primate-specific ZNF808: A Crucial Factor in Human Pancreatic Development"

Researchers have identified the primate-specific gene ZNF808 as a crucial factor in pancreatic development in humans. Loss-of-function variants in ZNF808 were found to cause pancreatic agenesis, a rare congenital condition characterized by improper pancreas development. The study revealed that ZNF808 plays a role in repressing primate-specific transposable elements during early pancreas development, preventing the induction of genes associated with liver identity. This research highlights the unique mechanisms involved in human organ development and the contribution of primate-specific regions of the genome to congenital developmental diseases.