Putative polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-like protein 3 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the WBSCR17 gene. This gene encodes an N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, which has 97% sequence identity to the mouse protein. This gene is deleted in Williams-Beuren syndrome, a multisystem developmental disorder caused by the deletion of contiguous genes at 7q11.23.
WBSCR17 in "It's the End of the World As We Know It, And We Feel Fine"[]
It had been known since the 20th century that the WBSCR17 gene affected behavior in mammals. It was first discovered that there was a significant difference in the gene sequence between wolves and domesticated dogs. It was also found that a variation in the human version led to Williams-Beuren syndrome making those individuals much more friendly, gregarious and trusting.
After the global conflict called the Big Fracas, the survivors engaged in genetic research leading to the development of a WBSCR17 variation that had the positive effects of Williams-Beuren syndrome without the negative (mental retardation, heart disease). All survivors were genetically engineered to have this variation leading to today's more harmonious society without the risk of another Fracas. Occasional throwbacks, while treated kindly and allowed to live freely with minimal constraint, were not allowed to reproduce.
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