Unveiled: Ancient viral DNA sequences conceal gene regulators, a hidden secret unlocked by scientists.
In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances on July 18, researchers have discovered a unique viral DNA sequence, MER11_G4, that could play a crucial role in regulating gene activity in stem cells, particularly during early developmental stages. The article was published on The Blueprint, with Neetika Walter as the author.
The MER11_G4 viral DNA, found only in humans and chimpanzees, acts as a powerful gene regulatory element, helping switch genes on in pluripotent stem cells and neural progenitor cells. This, in turn, influences developmental gene networks critical for brain development and other processes.
Key points about MER11_G4’s role include:
- High regulatory activity in early stem cells: MER11_G4 sequences show strong activity in cells resembling pluripotent stem cells and neural progenitors, which are important for early human development and differentiation.
- Activation of gene expression: This subgroup is the youngest within the MER11 family and exhibits a strong ability to activate gene expression by providing specific DNA motifs that serve as binding sites for transcription factors—proteins that control gene on/off switches in response to developmental and environmental signals.
- Distinct regulatory motifs and evolutionary changes: MER11_G4 binds to a unique set of transcription factors that differ from older MER11 subtypes. Over time, mutations in these sequences in humans and chimps have enhanced their regulatory potential, indicating an evolutionary adaptation that impacts gene regulation particularly in stem cells.
- Influence on developmental processes: By modulating gene activity, MER11_G4 influences critical developmental gene networks, supporting cell fate decisions and early developmental programming in humans and chimps.
- Broader implication: These viral DNA elements were once considered "junk DNA," but modern research reveals they are integral to the gene expression system, with possible implications for understanding genetic disorders and diseases.
Approximately eight percent of the human genome is made up of viral DNA, remnants from viruses that infected our ancestors millions of years ago. The new study identifies a fourth subtype of MER11, MER11_G4, which appears to have regulatory potential.
The discovery could help us understand what makes us human and how our DNA influences health and disease. The study was conducted by a team from McGill University and Kyoto University, with Guillaume Bourque, a professor in McGill's Department of Human Genetics, serving as the study's lead author.
The team used a new method to trace the evolutionary history of these viral fragments. The ancient viral fragments found in our genome may actively help switch genes on and off, shedding new light on the role of viruses in human biology.
Scientists have discovered overlooked viral sequences in the human genome that could play a key role in regulating gene activity. The study focuses on a viral DNA family called MER11, specifically a previously unknown subgroup-MER11_G4. The findings could help researchers trace the origins of certain genetic disorders or explain why some gene mutations turn dangerous.
- The newly discovered MER11_G4 viral DNA, a part of the human genome, has the potential to significantly impact gene regulation, particularly in early stem cells, due to its unique regulatory motifs and evolutionary changes.
- This study, involving researchers from McGill University and Kyoto University, delves into the role of viral sequences in the gene expression system, offering insights into how they may influence health and wellness, possibly providing explanations for certain genetic disorders.
- The use of advanced technology in the study has brought to light the active role of ancient viral fragments in gene regulation, contributing to the understanding of the intersection between robotics, science, technology, and health-and-wellness in innovation.
