Scientists: Prominence of DNA “Jumping Genes” Are More Pervasive Than First Thought

U.S. researchers have found that DNA mutations known as “jumping genes” are much more prevalent than first construed. Although the ramifications of these findings are uncertain, the research poses many questions that are sure to inspire further studies. Scientists may ultimately find that the “jumping genes,” known as transposons in medical circles, are an important indicator for tailored medicine and the targeted use of drugs.

Transposons are sequences of DNA that can replicate on their own. They can then “jump” from one location to another on chromosomes. Once this happens, the way that a particular gene functions can be altered. For instance, when a new sequence of “jumping genes” inserts itself in a new location it can turn certain genes on or off.

The sheer scope of the body’s genome is hard to grasp for the average person. For instance, every human has the same basic 20,000 genes made up of numerous base pairs. Known base pairs number about 3 billion in the human genome. The “jumping genes” effectively change the base pairs and grow the number of them exponentially. The consequences of this are unknown, but researchers would like to find out what they are.

The study, conducted at Emory University in Atlanta, found that 90 percent of participants had unique transposons never before detected. In fact, researchers found 1,145 new transposons. Researchers surmised that a new transposon is forming once every human generation. They also stated that about 45 percent of the average human genome is formed from transposons.

Research indicates that our bodies are constantly mutating. With so many new sequences of genes being turned on and off, and functioning in new ways, this could indicate changes for humans. One doctor stated it could potentially lead to diseases in certain individuals. However, everyone is different, and this is why researchers are seeking to find patterns in the genome that allow them to predict adverse events in the human body.

Many key genes that are likely to cause certain diseases have already been identified, which leads to the increased possibility of being able to take preventive measures to stop diseases before they occur. Of course, the increased levels of transposons that the current study identified means that the human genome is less stable than previously thought. A lead researcher on the project stated that moving a group of genes around is like taking one page of a “how-to” guide and placing it four pages ahead.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the study was that lung tumors were found to have a high amount of transposons, while brain tumors did not. Researchers said finding answers as to why this takes place could prove extremely beneficial.