Tag

Retrotransposon

All articles tagged with #retrotransposon

science1 year ago•3 min saved

"Parasitic DNA's Crucial Role in Nerve Cell Protein Production"

Researchers have discovered that an RNA derived from a domesticated virus, RNLTR12-int, plays a crucial role in regulating the gene that encodes myelin, a key nerve protein. By inhibiting RNLTR12-int, the production of myelin was significantly reduced in rats, zebrafish, and frogs, leading to simpler structures in the cells that produce myelin. This finding sheds light on the evolutionary history of myelin and its impact on the development and function of vertebrate brains.

via Ars Technica|

#brain-evolution #myelin #nerve-cells

science2 years ago•2 min saved

"Unveiling the Full Structure of Ancient Genetic Parasite Holds Promise for Medical Breakthroughs"

Researchers have purified the full-length L1 ORF2p enzyme and reconstituted the target-primed reverse transcription (TPRT) mechanism of the Long Interspersed Element-1 (L1) retrotransposon. Cryo-electron microscopy structures revealed that the L1 ORF2p recognizes the template polyadenosine tract in a sequence-specific manner and utilizes a novel RNA-binding domain to engage with the RNA hairpin stem. The study also found that L1 ORF2p requires upstream single-stranded DNA to position the adjacent duplex for nicking, generating a staggered DNA break. These findings provide insights into the ongoing transposition mechanism in the human genome and have implications for retrotransposon protein engineering in gene therapy.

via Nature.com|

#gene-therapy #genetic-diversity #human-genome

science2 years ago•6 min saved

The Surprising Role of a Genetic Parasite in Fertility Protection

Scientists have discovered that a retrotransposon, previously considered a genetic parasite, plays a crucial role in maintaining ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and preserving fertility through generations. rDNA generates the RNA subunits of ribosomes, which make proteins, and its repetitive nature makes it easy for cells to accidentally remove some of the identical repeats when replicating the genome during cell division. The retrotransposon R2, which typically copies and inserts itself into fruit fly rDNA, can help cells by slicing open both copies of the chromosome containing rDNA, and when the cell tries to repair these breaks, it stitches a stretch of rDNA repeats from one copy of the chromosome into the other copy of the chromosome instead. This ensures that the number of rDNA repeats never gets too low across the population of germ cells, preserving the lineage of the cells and the individuals who carry them.

via SciTechDaily|

#fertility #genetics #germ-cells

science2 years ago•6 min saved

'Genetic Parasite' Preserves Fertility in Unselfish Manner

Researchers have discovered that a retrotransposon, a genetic element that had been thought of as a genetic parasite, plays an essential role in maintaining ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and preserving fertility through the generations. The retrotransposon R2, which typically copies and inserts itself into fruit fly rDNA, can help cells by restoring rDNA with the help of a retrotransposon. Germ cells can combine these mechanisms, taking rDNA repeats from one chromosome to give to another and then earmarking the cell with more repeats, to constantly replenish the germline's level of rDNA.

via Phys.org|

#fertility #genetics #germ-cells