Johannes F. Coy

Johannes F. Coy (born December 15, 1963, in Otzberg im Odenwald) is a German biologist and cancer researcher. He is the discoverer of the genes TKTL1 and DNaseX (Apo10). According to the latest findings in evolutionary research, TKTL1 is a key gene that has triggered increased neuron formation in the neocortex and structural improvements in the brain compared to Neanderthals, thus enabling the cognitive achievements of modern humans (homo sapiens).

The evolutionary significance of TKTL1 was confirmed through studies by Nobel laureate Svante Pääbo and his research group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. In collaboration with Wieland B. Huttner, they demonstrated that the TKTL1 gene, discovered by Johannes F. Coy, exhibits a single amino acid substitution in modern humans, leading to increased neurogenesis compared to Neanderthals.

Coy's diagnostic developments as a result of his research include:

Epitope detection in monocytes (EDIM) - detection method of biomarkers in cells of the innate immune system in blood samples Automated flow cytrometry method Flow cytometry-based blood tests

Johannes Coy holds several patents in the field of cancer research and diagnostics, including DNaseX and TKTL1:

DNA encoding DNase and related vectors, host cells and antibodies (DNaseX) Transketolase-related protein (TKTL1)