We have helped Cemali Bekpen and the Max Planck Evolutionary Biology Group of Dr. Tautz in resolving a very complicated and variable gene duplication. Even though, some of the trends remain fuzzy, it is now clear that gene duplications of SPATA31 diversified in humans and remain variable. What is more, some of their function has to do with UV tolerance. It is a fascinating gene family. Here is the link from BMC Genomics.

I, for one, am happy that Cemali tackled this really complex variation and looking forward to seeing more resolution with regards to exact evolutionary history and functional impact of these duplications.