Scientists have just discovered a secret hidden symbol of your DNA

Transportable elements are frequent DNA serials in the genome that originated from ancient viruses. For millions of years, they have spread throughout the genome through copying mechanisms. Today, TES forms approximately half of the human genome. Although he believed they were not serving any useful function, recent research has found that some of them behave like “genetic keys” and control of the activity of genes near specific cells.

However, since TES is very frequent and is almost almost identical in the sequence, it may be difficult to study. In particular, younger TE families like MER11 were classified as the current genetic databases, which limits our ability to understand their role.

To overcome this, the researchers have developed a new way to classify TES. Instead of using standard explanatory comments tools, they collected the Mer11 sequence based on their evolutionary relationships and the extent of their preservation in the main gene. This new approach was allowed to divide the Mer11a/B/C into four distinct sub -films, which are Mer11_G1 to G4, from oldest to smaller.

This new classification has unveiled the previously hidden patterns of the regulatory capabilities of genes. The researchers compared the new sub -fungi MER11 with various lapsea signs, which are chemical signs on the DNA and associated proteins that affect genetic activity. This showed that this new classification is in line more closely with the actual organizational function compared to previous methods.

To test if the Mer11 sequence can control genetic expression, the team used a technology called Lentimpra (the Lentiviraal correspondent assaulted significantly). This method allows testing thousands of DNA sequence simultaneously by inserting them into the cells and measuring the amount of what enhances each of the gene activity. The researchers applied this method to approximately 7000 Mer11 sequences of humans and other princesses, and measuring their effects in human stem cells and neurons in the early stage.

The results showed that Mer11_G4 (the smallest sub -family) showed a strong ability to stimulate genetic expression. She also had a distinctive range of organizational “motifs”, which are short spaces of DNA that act as locations for copying factors, and proteins that control genes. These motifs can significantly affect how genes respond to development signals or environmental signals.

More analysis revealed that the Mer11_G4 sequence in humans, chimpanzees and makak has accumulated all different changes over time. In humans and chimpanzees, some serials have gained mutations that could increase their regulatory potential during human stem cells. Young Mer11_G4 connects to a distinctive set of copies, indicating that this group has gained various organizational functions through sequence changes and contributes to description, and researcher Dr. Sean Chen explains.

The study provides a model to understand how “unwanted” DNA development is evolved into organizational elements with important biological roles. By tracking the development of these serials and testing their functions directly, the researchers have shown how the old viral DNA was chosen in forming genes activity in the majority.

“Genome has long been sequenced, but the function of many of its parts is still unknown,” the co -author Dr. Inoi notes. Transportable items are believed to play important roles in the development of genome, and its importance is expected to become more clear as research continues.