Scientists from the University of Duke have made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges long-held beliefs about DNA. The scientists have found that annular DNA, previously thought to be a random by-product, is actually involved in cell repair mechanisms. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer, viral infections, and immune reactions.
The researchers have focused on retrotransposons, which are DNA segments around 7,000 characters long. These segments insert themselves into different parts of plant and animal genomes and play a role in rewriting DNA and regulating the use of genes within cells. They are considered a key driving force in evolution, contributing to genetic diversity and innovation. Retrotransposons are inherited from both parents.
Assistant professor of pharmacology and cancer biology at the University of Duke, Zhao Zhang, explains that these elements are a source of genetic dynamics and have an impact on both animal evolution and everyday life. However, their exact function is not yet fully understood.
Retrotransposons make up about 40% of the human genome and over 75% of the corn genome. For a long time, their copying mechanism and location remained unclear. Recent studies have revealed that most new retrotransposons exist in the form of annular DNA, not integrated into the host’s genome.
These findings challenge previous notions about annular DNA. It is now known that retrotransposons are not a random occurrence; they actively use cell repair mechanisms, similar to viruses, for their reproduction. Zhang argues that annular DNA should be given more attention and recognized as playing a central role in the field of retroviruses and retrotransposons.
Zhang’s laboratory is currently investigating whether annular DNA could serve as an intermediate link for creating new genomic inserts and whether it can activate the immune system.
This discovery could have profound implications for our understanding of disease development and genetic evolution. It opens up new avenues for cancer research, viral infection studies, and understanding immune reactions at a genetic level.