Ancient Viruses in DNA Found to Regulate Gene Activity, Study Reveals

Fast Summary:

• nearly half of the human genome consists of “transposable elements” (TEs) or “jumping genes,” which originate, in part, from ancient viruses embedded over millions of years.
• The study published in Science Advances finds tes play critical roles in regulating gene activity, contrary to previous assumptions that they were nonfunctional “junk DNA.”
• Researchers focused on a TE family called MER11, classifying it into subgroups based on evolutionary age. This revealed the youngest group (MER11G4) considerably impacts gene activation during early development.
• MER11G4 sequences demonstrated unique protein docking sites essential for controlling gene expression.
• Minor sequence differences between humans and other primates effect regulatory functions across species.
• Advances like CRISPR enabled researchers to study TE interactions with chromatin and their potential roles in embryo development more closely.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The discovery underscores an evolving understanding of human genetics. By revealing active roles for ancient viral DNA fragments-once deemed useless-it broadens the scope for future research on genetic regulation and evolution. For India, this breakthrough may hold promising implications as genetic studies advance within health sciences and biomedical research industries. Strengthening genomic science infrastructure could open avenues for disease prevention and personalized medicine while fostering deeper collaboration at global scales. As researchers continue investigating TEs’ functions-potentially using CRISPR-the findings underline India’s need to invest strategically in cutting-edge tools like gene-editing technologies.Read More

!An illustration of a DNA molecule