ASCn

ASCn refers to a family of genes that encode for enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C. In humans, the ASCn gene family is not functional, meaning humans cannot synthesize their own vitamin C and must obtain it from their diet. This is in contrast to many other animals, such as rodents and most other mammals, which possess functional ASCn genes and can produce vitamin C internally.

The functional genes within the ASCn family typically encode for enzymes that catalyze specific steps in the L-gulono-1,4-lactone oxidase pathway, the primary route for vitamin C synthesis in organisms that can produce it. The loss of functional ASCn genes in the human lineage is believed to have occurred millions of years ago. This evolutionary event highlights the importance of dietary intake of vitamin C for human health, as it plays crucial roles as an antioxidant, in collagen synthesis, and in immune function. Research into the ASCn gene family helps us understand evolutionary biology and the biochemical differences between species.