Articles tagged with Transposable Elements
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A recent study by Brandeis University professor Nelson Lau reveals that the PIWI pathway, which protects against genetic parasites, has limitations. The pathway's effectiveness is crucial for human fertility and development, yet transposons continue to make up a significant portion of the genome.
Susan R. Wessler, a world-renowned expert in transposable elements, has been awarded the McClintock Prize for her exceptional contributions to plant genome structure, function, and evolution. Her research on plant transposable elements has led to significant findings on the impact of these elements on plant genomes.
Scientists discovered genes in humans that make repressor proteins to shut down specific jumping genes, a type of retrotransposon. The findings suggest an ongoing battle between mobile DNA sequences and the genes that control them, leading to the evolution of greater genomic complexity.
Scientists discovered that the selection process of immature eggs is connected to segments of DNA known as transposable elements. A drug called AZT may enhance the quality and number of eggs by altering jumping gene activity in immature eggs.
Researchers have discovered that retrotransposons, or viral elements incorporated into the human genome, are essential for maintaining the ability of stem cells to differentiate into many different types of body cells. The study found that degrading these transcripts causes iPS cells to lose their pluripotency and differentiate.
Studies of two vesper bat species genomes reveal a link between DNA transposons and rapid evolution. The authors propose that transposable elements enabled the introduction of microRNAs, influencing gene expression and driving species diversification.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a small-RNA pathway that targets 'jumping genes' in reproductive cells to prevent genetic damage. The pathway uses microRNAs to silence transposons and protect the genome.
Researchers discovered a widespread longevity mutation in fruit flies, found in 17 of 22 lines gathered from around the globe. The mutation, called Hoppel, was linked to increased life span and reproductive fitness in heterozygous flies.
A new study reveals that edited RNA and invasive DNA contribute to individual variation in humans by regulating gene expression. The study found a 20% difference in life span and eye color between individuals with varying levels of ADAR activity.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a transposon that benefits its host organisms by enhancing the immunity of plants against a pathogenic microorganism. The COPIA-R7 transposon interferes with the epigenetic code of the RPP7 gene, promoting activity and adjusting the plant's immune response.
Researchers found that giant viruses share genes with tiny virophages and transposable elements, suggesting they evolved from each other on multiple occasions. The study's complex network of evolutionary relationships challenges previous understanding of viral evolution.
Researchers have identified dozens of essential genes for the piRNA pathway, which protects sex cells from transposons. The study reveals how specific genes, like asterix, regulate transposon repression and provides a foundation for understanding this complex mechanism.
Renowned geneticist Susan Wessler has been elected a member of the American Philosophical Society (APS), a prestigious organization established in 1743. The election recognizes her extraordinary contributions to plant genetics and her commitment to scientific engagement and knowledge promotion.
Researchers at CSHL found that transposons increase in abundance and activity in the brains of fruit flies as they age, correlating with neurological degeneration. This 'transposon storm' may contribute to age-related brain defects in humans.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers explains how certain plant traits can be passed down through generations without following traditional genetic rules. They discovered an enzyme in corn that targets 'junk DNA' and triggers unexpected changes in gene activity, an example of epigenetics.
Researchers discovered a molecular machine called SCANR that recognizes and targets transposons in cells, potentially halting the spread of genetic elements. This finding builds upon previous discoveries of jumping genes and RNA interference, suggesting a novel way for cells to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' genes.
Brown University researchers discovered that as cells age, their ability to defend against parasitic strands of genetic material called transposable elements deteriorates. This breakdown allows the newly freed transposons to take full advantage, potentially leading to a decline in cell function and health.
A study published in Genome Biology reveals a link between transposable elements and the expression of stem cell-specific long noncoding RNAs. ERV transposition may have given rise to these lincRNAs, which have important regulatory roles.
A class of small RNA molecules called pachytene piwi-interacting RNAs plays a critical role in allowing sperm to develop normally. Defects in these molecules or their interactions may be responsible for some cases of male infertility, according to new research by Penn Vet researchers.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism in pollen cells that silences potentially mutagenic sequences of mobile DNA, thereby avoiding damage to new plants. The mechanism involves the addition of methyl groups to DNA sequences, which is restored by small RNA molecules, ensuring epigenetic inheritance.
A team of neuroscientists discovered a signature of disease that may help explain the relationship between transposons and neurodegenerative disorders. They found that TDP-43 normally functions to silence or repress potentially harmful transposons, but when its function is compromised, these elements become overexpressed.
Researchers have discovered that a retrotransposon element is responsible for inducing anthocyanin production in blood oranges when exposed to cold conditions. This finding has significant implications for the future of blood orange production, potentially allowing for reliable worldwide cultivation and increasing their availability as...
Researchers have cataloged all transposable elements in a population of fruit flies using Pool-Seq technology. The findings reveal that most elements are purged before becoming established, but some sites show positive selection for insertion, suggesting beneficial effects on the host.
Researchers discovered that when a new transposon is introduced, it triggers a response that disrupts the piRNA machinery, leading to a massive destabilization of the genome. However, as the hybrids aged, they learned to shut down the new transposon and restore fertility.
Researchers identified genes responsible for thousands of tiny changes in brain tissue DNA, finding they were active in areas linked to cell renewal. The study provides new insights into how the brain works and may link retrotransposon activity to brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers have discovered that certain transposon elements can coordinate their movement with DNA replication, allowing them to spread more rapidly through genomes. P elements, one such transposon, tend to insert themselves near the beginning of genes and at regions functioning as starting sites or origins for DNA duplication.
Susan R. Wessler receives the FASEB 2012 Excellence in Science Award for her pioneering work on plant transposable elements and their impact on gene and genome evolution. Her research has led to significant advancements in understanding the role of transposons in shaping genomes.
Rob Martienssen, CSHL professor, joins prestigious HHMI-GBMF initiative to accelerate basic research in fundamental plant sciences. He will receive flexible support to move his research efforts in creative new directions.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Zebrafish Core Facility successfully switched individual genes on and off in zebrafish, allowing them to observe embryonic and juvenile development. This breakthrough enables the study of protein function and its relation to health problems like cancer, heart attacks, and addiction.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a significant number of new insertions of retrotransposon insertion polymorphisms (RIPs) in the human genome, expanding our understanding of genetic diversity. The study highlights the importance of retrotransposons in shaping human traits and disease risks.
Researchers found that a mutation in the MeCP2 gene leads to the mobilization of L1 retrotransposons in brain cells, reshuffling their genomes and possibly contributing to the symptoms of Rett syndrome. This discovery sheds light on the complexity of molecular events underlying psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
A gene-silencing pathway in fungi protects their genomes from unwanted genetic mutations during mating, which could be used to develop new treatments for fungal infections. The discovery of this pathway may also provide insights into the mechanisms of fungal disease.
Researchers have developed PiggyBac, a genetic tool that can speed the discovery of novel genes involved in cancer. The system has identified new candidate cancer-causing genes and will complement advances in genomics and genetics of cancer.
Researchers have discovered a near complete catalog of DNA segments that copy themselves, move around, and insert themselves in the human genome. These transposon insertion locations help determine physical traits and disease risks, and may lead to new disease gene discoveries.
Scientists have discovered that movable sequences of DNA, known as L1 retrotransposons, are much more common than previously believed. This finding has significant implications for understanding the causes of genetic diseases.
A new study reveals that nearly every newborn has a new transposon insertion in their genome, suggesting a significant increase in genetic instability. Transposons are also implicated in tumor formation and can inactivate tumor suppressor genes.
The study found that transposons are surprisingly prevalent and active in lung cancer genomes, disrupting the blueprint of the human body. Researchers predict that this variation will lead to more genetic disorders and diseases.
A Penn study found significant variation in jumping gene locations among individuals, underscoring their impact on genetic diversity. The researchers also discovered that these genes contribute to the raw material of evolution by providing new genetic material through insertions.
A team of researchers discovered a strong sex-chromosome bias in the distribution of transposable elements, which may hold clues to genetic disease mechanisms. The study suggests Alu sequences integrate mostly in the male germline, while L1s integrate in both male and female germlines or early embryogenesis.
Researchers at CSHL and Mexico's National Polytechnic Institute successfully inhibited asexual reproduction in a sexually reproducing plant by silencing transposons. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of genetically identical seeds with valuable parental traits, greatly increasing crop yields.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have documented the impact of rapid bursts of new transposable elements on plant genomes. The study found that these insertions can actually benefit the host by creating novel regulatory networks, enhancing stress tolerance in rice and other selfing plants.
Researchers used a novel high-throughput analysis technique to study every gene in Salmonella Typhi, revealing that only 356 genes are necessary for its survival. The TraDIS method has the potential to accelerate the discovery of new targets for treatment and improve our understanding of bacterial disease.
Researchers have discovered a new type of cellular defense mechanism that acts against DNA sequences present in high copy numbers, even if they have not integrated into the genome. Small RNA molecules play a central role in this process, which is also found in Drosophila and potentially in mammals.
A recent study found that only one group of mammals - humans, mice, and their close relatives - have seen their genomes decrease in size since the dinosaurs went extinct. This trend continues today, with human genomes undergoing a contraction, although noticeable changes won't be observed for several million years.
New research challenges standard assumptions about the timing of mobile DNA insertions in humans. Jumping gene insertions are found to occur during embryogenesis after fertilization, rather than in eggs and sperm cells. This discovery has implications for understanding genetic diseases, cancer, and the development of new genes.
In a new study, CSHL researchers found that non-germ line cells in the fruit fly ovary have developed an anti-transposon defense system distinct from their counterparts in germ line cells. These somatic piRNA pathways specifically target gypsy transposons and utilize only one Piwi protein to selectively suppress them.
A recent breakthrough in mammalian genome research has revealed a complex network of genetic regulators that subtly influence gene expression in different cells. The discovery of tiny RNAs and retrotransposons has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms behind cellular development and transformation.
In plant pollen grains, companion cells provide sperm with instructions that protect DNA from damage and set up gene expression patterns. Small RNAs generated in these cells enter neighboring sperm nuclei and inactivate harmful DNA sequences via RNA interference.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência discover mechanism to silence transposable elements in sperm cells, preventing harmful mutations. The technique, developed by Jörg Becker's team, uses small interfering RNA to target and silence these DNA elements.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered that natural selection on gene function is driving the evolution of LTR retrotransposons in plant genomes. The study found strong purifying selection across all gene regions, but rare episodes of positive selection and adaptation to host genomes.
CSHL researchers have found that changes in small RNA patterns enable transposons to re-activate in continuously dividing cells, leading to genomic instability and potential disease consequences. The team's study implicates RNA interference in epigenetic chromatin changes that occur in immortalized cells.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that plants can forget epigenetic silencing, a process crucial for breeding enhanced crops. This 'molecular amnesia' varies depending on genome position, offering new avenues for understanding gene regulation and developing cancer treatments.
A team of CSHL scientists has discovered that maternal small RNAs called piRNAs pass on the trait of fertility from mother to offspring in fruit flies by silencing DNA sequences that induce sterility. This new mechanism of inheritance effectively doubles the number of mechanisms by which epigenetic information is known to be inherited.
A study mapped the clan of mobile selfish genes Alu retrotransposons in the human genome, revealing that around 10,000 elements are still capable of jumping around and posing a major threat to human genetics. The research provides valuable insights into the behavior of these elements and their potential impact on personalized genomics.
Researchers characterize grapevine transposons, finding they capture and amplify gene sequences, influencing gene evolution. The study also reveals 'domesticated' transposons with cellular roles, contributing to genetic diversity.
A team of scientists has identified a key protein called Maelstrom that suppresses jumping genes in mouse sperm, essential for sperm formation. The study found that the protein plays a crucial role in keeping genes from jumping around in germ cells.
A K-State biology professor is studying the evolution of the state flower, sunflower, using a $610,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The research focuses on how environmental stress may have caused the activation of retrotransposons in hybrid species, leading to massive genomic expansion and restructuring.
New nonviral gene delivery systems utilizing transposons provide a safer alternative to viruses, with potential benefits for treating fatal conditions such as cancer. The technology has shown promise in achieving stable expression of genes in animal cells and minimizing insertional mutagenesis risk.
A team of Cornell researchers has identified a previously unknown gene in fruit flies that appears to have been created from scratch around 13 million years ago. The new gene, called hydra, is functional and likely plays a role in late-stage sperm cell development.
Nina V. Fedoroff, a renowned researcher in life sciences and biotechnology, is among eight scientists named to receive the 2006 National Medal of Science. Her work focuses on understanding gene regulation by small RNA molecules and developing mechanisms for plants to withstand environmental stressors.