Articles tagged with Transposable Elements
Research reveals that ants benefited from transposable elements, enabling increased speciation and expansion of important gene families involved in chemical communication. This genomic mechanism connects ecological upheavals to rapid diversification of ants, with comparable patterns identified in other animal groups.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that cells use two pathways to silence invading transposons: RNA interference and heterochromatin. These pathways are triggered by abnormal RNA patterns produced by the transposon, allowing cells to detect and defend against invasive DNA sequences.
A new study from Duke University found that most lethal mutations in wild fruit flies are driven by newly transferred jumping genes, not small DNA errors. The research reveals a hidden layer of evolution where lethal mutations persist in generations due to the impact of transposable elements.
Researchers at NUS Medicine discovered that genetic vectors can efficiently spread antibiotic resistance within the gut, enabling even highly virulent bacteria to acquire drug resistance. This finding sheds light on the emergence of 'superbugs' in healthcare settings.
A new study found that rising temperatures are driving changes in polar bear DNA, which may help them adapt to increasingly challenging environments. The researchers discovered that genes related to heat-stress, aging, and metabolism are behaving differently in polar bears living in southeastern Greenland.
A review highlights transposable elements' influence on gene expression, genome stability, and disease development. TEs are recognized as regulators of gene regulation and disease, offering new avenues for diagnosis and therapy.
Researchers at OIST develop a new method harnessing 'jumping genes' to recreate the termite tree of life, providing a template for solving ancient evolutionary mysteries. The study achieves similar accuracy to trees built from thousands of protein marker sequence alignments.
Researchers discovered that the functional splitting of transposon-derived RNAs drove the emergence of Type V CRISPR-Cas immunity. This innovation enabled the development of compact nucleases with flexible guide RNAs, offering design principles to create smaller and more versatile CRISPR tools.
Researchers discovered that a specific gene disruption led to the change in color, allowing the fungus to conserve energy. This process, called relaxed selection, is common among organisms adapting to dark conditions, influencing food security and health.
Cells employ a protein network to repress TE activity and keep themselves healthy. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is a lead choreographer in this process, protecting cells from genomic instability by restraining TET activity.
Researchers at Cornell University have found a new way that transposons, or 'jumping genes', can survive and propagate in bacteria with linear DNA. The study reveals that these genes can target and insert themselves at the ends of linear chromosomes, called telomeres, which is essential for their survival.
Bess Frost, director of Brown University's Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research, received the 2025 Rainwater Prize for her groundbreaking findings on tau toxicity and retrotransposons. Her work may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and tauopathies.
A study by researchers at Helmholtz Munich has discovered that ancient viral DNA elements are re-expressed in mammalian embryos, playing a crucial role in early development. The activation of these elements is conserved across species and provides opportunities for manipulating thousands of genes simultaneously.
A joint research group clarifies a key mechanism of how retrotransposons preferentially insert in the centromere. The findings reveal strong integration biases for certain genetic elements, shedding light on rapid genome evolution.
MSK researchers have identified a compound that selectively kills glioblastoma cells while sparing healthy cells. They also developed a new method to study cancer evolution by introducing mutations in specific genes, allowing for the rapid regression of leukemia and understanding its behavior.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in understanding tissue regeneration, with a focus on epigenetic regulation and retrotransposon suppression. MicroRNAs have also been identified as potential biomarkers for COVID-19 severity in cancer patients, while a novel protein complex drives lung regenera...
Researchers found that transposable elements, known as LINE-1, play a critical role in regulating early human development. They help organize the DNA in the cell's nucleus and ensure embryonic cells progress normally through early stages. This discovery challenges previous views of these 'selfish DNA' elements.
Researchers have sequenced the lungfish genome, which is 90 billion bases long and breaks all records for size. The study reveals that autonomous transposons are responsible for the genomic expansion, but surprisingly, the genome remains stable despite its enormous size.
Researchers developed a method to study aged neurons in the lab without a brain biopsy, revealing aspects of cells' genomes linked to late-onset Alzheimer's development. The technique suggests new treatment strategies targeting retrotransposable elements and early intervention to slow disease progression.
Researchers at the Arc Institute have discovered a novel bispecific guide RNA, the bridge recombinase mechanism, which enables precise and powerful tool to recombine and rearrange DNA in a programmable way. The system can insert any desirable genetic cargo into any genomic location with high efficiency and specificity.
Researchers at MBL have found a genetic arrangement that confers antibiotic resistance to the bacterium Bacteroides fragilis, which may help it protect itself from tetracycline. The study highlights the role of transposons in horizontal gene transfer and potential mechanisms for controlling gene expression.
A new technique employing a retrotransposon from birds may provide a safer alternative to CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing by inserting genes into a designated 'safe harbor' in the genome. This approach could complement CRISPR technology and enable efficient gene supplementation for hereditary diseases.
A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has discovered a new role for 4.5 SH RNA in mice, which plays a crucial role in regulating alternative splicing and may be the first identified member of a new class of regulatory RNAs.
Researchers identified PUCH, a novel enzyme that produces small molecules called piRNAs to detect and prevent parasitic DNA from replicating in our genomes. This discovery sheds light on how our immune system works and may have implications for understanding innate immunity.
A new study has uncovered the potential role of LINE transposons in regulating cerebral cortex development and identifying genetic sequences that contribute to autism spectrum disorders. The research, led by SISSA and IIT scientists, debunks the reputation of 'selfish genes' as mere replicators.
A study in Current Biology reveals that Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) originally silenced transposable elements in eukaryotes, a function thought to have arisen to protect the genome from invasion. This ancestral role has since shifted to silencing protein-coding genes.
Researchers have discovered how plants pass along chemical markers that instruct cells on using DNA codes, a process known as epigenetic inheritance. The study reveals the role of protein DDM1 in making way for enzymes that add regulatory marks to new DNA strands, preserving genetic controls across generations.
A Duke University team has found that retrotransposons use the cell's DNA repair function to create a ring-like shape and then produce a matching double strand. This discovery challenges long-held theories about retrotransposons being byproducts of bad gene copying.
Researchers from IMBA identify a family of virus-like transposons called Mavericks that facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between reproductively isolated worm species. The study reveals the role of Mavericks in overcoming the species barrier, with potential applications in pathogen control and genomic innovation.
Researchers used a multiomics approach to analyze changes in transposable elements after influenza A virus infection, identifying transcription factors contributing to individual responses. The study provides insights into the variable severity of illness among individuals infected with the same virus.
Scientists have successfully mapped the landscape of m6A modification in mouse embryos, revealing intriguing patterns of gene activity and distribution in transposable elements. This study fills a gap in the transcriptome field, providing new insights into the function of m6A during development.
Researchers identified 1,068 transposable element-derived transcripts with potential to produce tumor antigens that could serve as targets for new immunotherapies. Many of these candidate proteins were present in multiple tumors and across tumor types, suggesting a universal antigen-based therapy.
A new study finds that warmer temperatures cause a pathogenic fungus to experience adaptive responses, leading to increased disease-causing potential. The research, led by Asiya Gusa at Duke University, suggests that rising global temperatures may contribute to the evolution of more virulent fungal pathogens.
A new study led by UCSC scientists suggests that introners are the source of most introns across species, providing a plausible explanation for their vast majority. The researchers found evidence of introners in 5.2% of surveyed eukaryotic species and suggest they may be a fundamental mechanism driving genomic complexity.
Researchers develop CRISPR-Cas systems associated with transposons to rewrite large chunks of DNA in organisms like E. coli. This expands the CRISPR toolbox for flexible genome editing and has significant implications for therapeutics, biotechnology, and agriculture.
The HUSH complex is involved in normal brain development, neuronal individuality, and connectivity. The complex also regulates repetitive-like gene clusters, including protocadherin gene clusters, which are essential for neuron-to-neuron interactions.
Researchers at IMBA found that Kipferl helps distribute Rhino to piRNA clusters, avoiding sequestration to Satellite arrays. This control mechanism ensures the effective silencing of jumping genes and maintains genome stability.
A new study reveals that the emergence of a new gene called PGBD1 is linked to the evolution of a new structure in nerve cells. PGBD1 controls paraspeckles, tiny structures that act like traps for RNAs and proteins, and its regulation is crucial for nerve cell development.
Researchers have discovered that species with stronger selection against transposons experience lower percentages of these 'parasitic genes' in their genomes. This study provides new knowledge on transposons, which could lead to the development of treatments for diseases such as cancer and aging-related disorders.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have found a transposable element that regulates the immune response to virus infection in mice, leading to exaggerated immune responses and tissue damage. Reintroducing the element restores survival, suggesting its potential as a target for treatment.
A team of scientists has discovered the genetic mechanism behind the emergence of highly resistant fungal strains, such as Cryptococcus neoformans. The researchers found that transposon mobility is controlled by small interfering RNA (siRNA), and that disabling siRNA can lead to resistance.
A recent study has identified an important molecular analogy between the octopus brain and the human brain, specifically with LINE transposons active in both species. This discovery sheds light on the secret of the intelligence of these fascinating organisms, suggesting a convergent evolution of cognitive abilities.
Cornell researchers develop smaller gene-editing tool, IscB-ωRNA, to solve size problem of delivering CRISPR-Cas9 into every cell. The tool works similarly to CRISPR-Cas9 but with a smaller RNA component, offering new starting point for more powerful and accessible gene editing tools.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have discovered a physical mechanism that causes high doses of antibiotics to promote the spread of antibiotic resistance between bacteria. The culprit is an overabundance of 'jumping genes,' called transposons, which carry genetic instructions for resistance from cell's source code to plasmids.
Researchers have uncovered a collaboration between RNA decay and chromatin regulating complexes that work together to control the levels of transposable element RNAs, preventing genetic instability. The study reveals an unprecedented mechanism of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine reveals that transposons, repetitive DNA sequences, accumulate in the genomes of older animals with mutations, leading to genomic instability. The researchers successfully improved RNA interference pathways, which helped prevent transposon accumulation and increased lifespan.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel epigenetic mark in bdelloid rotifers, small freshwater animals, that allows them to control jumping transposons. This marks the first time a horizontally transferred gene has reshaped the gene regulatory system in a eukaryote.
Researchers have expanded the number of naturally occurring CRISPR-Cas systems, giving a wealth of potential new tools for large-scale gene editing. The discovery could lead to treating complex diseases associated with multiple genes.
Mangroves have evolved a remarkable resistance to stress in harsh ocean environments. Researchers decoded the genome of Bruguiera gymnorhiza and found that it regulates genes to cope with stress, using adaptive epigenetic changes to survive.
A new study has identified a transposon promoter that plays a crucial role in the development of mice and may also be essential for human viability. The discovery suggests that ancient viral DNA has been domesticated to regulate key biological processes, such as cell proliferation and embryo implantation.
Hematopoietic stem cells use RNA from junk DNA to enhance activation after chemotherapy, leading to increased inflammatory signaling and faster blood cell production. This mechanism helps improve blood regeneration after chemotherapy.
A study found that social behavior in snapping shrimps influences genome size, with eusocial species having larger genomes and more transposable elements. Genome size varies widely between species and is generally unrelated to complexity.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that eusocial snapping shrimp have larger genomes due to an accumulation of 'jumping' genes called transposable elements. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the relationship between genome evolution and social behavior in various species, including humans.
Scientists have discovered that poor DNA compaction in mammary glands can lead to increased accessibility of retrotransposons, triggering an immune response and disrupting milk secretion. The findings highlight the importance of proper chromatin condensation for tissue development and function.
Researchers at GMI discovered that Arabidopsis's Decreased DNA Methylation I (DDM1) gene product silences undesirable genetic elements and transposable elements, preventing genome instability. This mechanism dominates other known TE silencing mechanisms.
A study found that transposons play a key role in creating new genes through exon shuffling, a process that can lead to the creation of novel transcription factors. The research identified over 100 distinct genes fused with transposases across various species, including humans.
Researchers have identified the SFiNX complex as a key player in silencing transposons through a DNA-RNA crosstalk mechanism. This interaction enables other domains within the complex or co-recruited silencing effectors to establish heterochromatin, leading to gene expression regulation.
Scientists reveal that the African Coelacanth gained 62 new genes through encounters with other species, which arose from transposons. The genes likely play a role in gene regulation and are tissue-specific, with evidence suggesting they were introduced multiple times throughout evolutionary history.
A study on lettuce reveals that the genetic basis of leaf heading is controlled by a single gene, LsKN1, which promotes compact head development and prolongs shelf life. The researchers found that a transposon insertion in this gene elevates its expression, leading to heading in crisphead lettuce.
Scientists have discovered a new role for the cancer-fighting gene p53 in preventing retrotransposons from hopping around the human genome, potentially leading to new ways of detecting or treating cancers. The study found that cells without functional p53 had higher rates of retrotransposon movement and multiplication.