Unveiling the Enigmatic 'Unknome': Exploring the Secrets of Human Genes and Proteins

Researchers from the UK have created a publicly available database called the "unknome," which compiles information on thousands of understudied proteins encoded by genes in the human genome. The database assigns a "knownness" score to each protein based on factors such as function, conservation, and subcellular compartmentalization. By prioritizing research on proteins with low knownness scores, the database aims to accelerate the understanding of these genes and their potential roles in critical cellular processes. The authors tested the database by studying genes in humans and flies, revealing that many of these understudied proteins contribute to essential functions. The unknome database provides a platform for identifying and selecting important genes of unknown function, bridging the gap in biological knowledge.