Scientists have discovered that parts of our DNA, once thought to be useless, actually help control how genes work. A new study shows that some of this “junk DNA” came from ancient viruses that entered the human genome millions of years ago.
These virus-related parts are called transposable elements, or TEs. They were once believed to have no purpose, but researchers now say they help switch genes on and off, especially during early development. The team focused on one group of these elements called MER11, which entered primates’ DNA about 40 million years ago. Using tools like CRISPR, scientists can now see how these elements affect chromatin, the mix of DNA and protein that forms chromosomes. With this, scientists can now know why and how genes become active after an egg is fertilised, it also shows that what we once called “junk” may play a key role in life itself.
Leave feedback about this