Researchers found that Copia's capsid plays a crucial role in controlling structural synaptic plasticity at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. The study suggests that this parasitic genome element influences neuronal communication and behavior.
Researchers found that L1 jumping genes can be widely activated in normal cells, leading to the accumulation of genomic mutations over time. The study highlights the critical role of epigenetic changes in regulating L1 jumping gene activity.
Experimental study finds large DNA insertions caused by retrotransposition can increase cancer risk in human cells edited with CRISPR/Cas9. In contrast, base editing and prime editing show much lower rates of retrotransposition.
Researchers found that lamivudine improved cognition in a mouse model of Down syndrome, which could lead to new pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment. The study highlights the potential of targeting retrotransposons, segments of DNA that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers discovered that ancient retroviruses embedded in human genome can undergo retrotransposition into iPS cells, potentially posing a risk for regenerative medicine. The study found that HERV-K is expressed in SOX2-expressing cells and may cause cancer and neurological diseases by altering gene expression profiles.
Researchers tracked Alu elements in primate genomes, finding a 20-million-year period of quiescence followed by rapid expansion. The 'stealth driver' model suggests that low-activity Alu elements contribute to human-specific retrotransposition activity.