#113 – Manolis Kellis: Human Genome and Evolutionary Dynamics
Jul 31, 2020
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Manolis Kellis, a professor at MIT and head of the MIT Computational Biology Group, dives deep into the intricacies of the human genome and evolutionary dynamics. He discusses the relationship between our genetics and free will, challenging conventional notions of determinism. The conversation takes a turn into viral evolution, examining how SARS-CoV adaptations intersect with human health. Additionally, Kellis explores the role of technology in enhancing human perception and the philosophical implications of language, meaning, and existence.
Understanding evolutionary signatures can provide insights into the function and evolution of genes.
Comparing the genome of SARS-CoV-2 to related strains helps identify important genes and understand their evolution.
Viruses undergo random mutations and natural selection, but ascribing intelligence to them is subjective.
Viruses have contributed to the evolution of mammalian genomes and are not actively trying to harm humans.
Brain-computer interfaces show promise in bridging the gap between engineered computing systems and messy biological systems.
Deep dives
The Evolutionary Signatures of the Human Genome
The speaker discusses the concept of evolutionary signatures and how they can be used to understand the function and evolution of genes. By comparing the genomes of multiple species, insights can be gained into the similarities and differences between organisms, as well as the rate of evolution for different genes. The study highlights the importance of understanding the functional elements of the genome and the role they play in shaping biological systems.
Discovering the Genetic Origins of COVID-19
The speaker explains how evolutionary signatures were applied to the SARS-CoV-2 genome to understand its evolution and identify important genes. By comparing the genome of the virus to related strains, insights were gained into the function and evolution of various proteins. The study focused on the spike protein, which plays a critical role in attaching to host cells, and revealed the rapid rate of evolution for this protein.
The Intelligence of Viruses
The speaker argues against ascribing intelligence to viruses, emphasizing that evolution is a natural process that leads to the appearance of intelligence. Viruses undergo random mutations and are subject to natural selection, which can result in the adaptation of their genetic material and the evolution of new functions. While viruses are crucial in shaping biological systems, attributing intelligence to them is a matter of interpretation.
The Coevolution of Viruses and Humans
The speaker highlights the coevolutionary relationship between viruses and humans. Viruses have contributed to the evolution of mammalian genomes by integrating into host DNA and creating new regulatory elements. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes that viruses are not actively trying to harm humans. Instead, their replication and transmission strategies are driven by processes that enable their survival and propagation.
Understanding the Complexity of the Human Brain
The human brain is a complex system that combines digital and analog processes. While the genetic code is digital, many aspects of brain function are analog, such as the way neurons fire and the formation of memories. Bridging the gap between engineered computing systems and messy biological systems is challenging, but brain-computer interfaces show promise. By increasing the number of connections between the brain and machines, it is possible to train the brain to control external devices. However, understanding human thought and encoding it into machine language is still a significant challenge.
The Power of Language and Translation
Language carries depth and complexity that is challenging to capture in translation. Translating classic literature, such as works by Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, requires a deep understanding of the cultural context, wit, and suffering present in the original text. The loss in translation is inevitable, as capturing the full meaning, humor, and nuances of a sentence or word is a complex task. Exploring the etymology of words and understanding their historical formation can provide insight into their original usage and context, but it is still a partial way to appreciate language.
The Beauty of Messiness and Creativity
Embracing the messiness of language, thought, and creativity is essential for innovation. Language, with its inherent ambiguity, allows for creativity and new interpretations to arise. Similarly, the brain and its plasticity enable us to adapt and learn new skills, control devices, and co-opt different parts of the brain to compensate for damage. Deep learning systems that push beyond local optima and encourage exploration can lead to new breakthroughs. The interplay between the clarity and structure of technology and the messiness of biology and human thought holds immense potential for advancement and discovery.
The Role of Regulatory Regions in Gene Function
Regulatory regions in the genome contain combinations of motifs that have recruitment affinity for different proteins. These motifs create regions known as promoters and enhancers, which are crucial for gene function.
The Messy and Resilient Nature of Biological Systems
Biological systems are fault-tolerant and capable of dealing with mutations. Genome duplication and gene duplication are ways in which complexity is gradually built up in genomes. Evolution is a messy process that involves breaking and adapting old functions to reach new optima. The COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies how mutations in the genome can lead to new adaptations.
Manolis Kellis is a professor at MIT and head of the MIT Computational Biology Group. He is interested in understanding the human genome from a computational, evolutionary, biological, and other cross-disciplinary perspectives.
