An international team of scientists discovered that previously dismissed 'junk' DNA in the human genome is significant. This study focuses on transposable elements (TEs), which make up nearly 50% of human DNA and act like genetic switches. A specific family, MER11, influences gene expression without altering the DNA. The findings highlight that many genomic sequences are overlooked as junk due to classification inaccuracies, and understanding the proper annotation of these elements is crucial for grasping their impact and evolution.
MER11 sequences are what's known as long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, believed to have originated from an endogenous retrovirus (ERV) that infected a simian ancestor tens of millions of years ago.
The researchers found that a particular family of transposable elements (TEs), called MER11, can strongly influence gene expression, acting like 'genetic switches' without changing the underlying DNA.
The proper classification and annotation of LTR instances is critical to understanding their evolution, co-option and potential impact on the host.
At least eight percent of the human genome comes from these retroviruses, showcasing the significant genetic contributions made by TEs.
Collection
[
|
...
]