The Secret Code in Our DNA – a Breakthrough Discovery by Japanese Scientists
The secret code in our DNA is hidden in viral remnants
Junk DNA regains its significance
New classification of MER11 transposons
Advanced research tools confirm the role of MER11_G4
MER11_G4 – viral gene switches
Embryonic gene control
Genetic differences between species
Experts’ voice
New Directions in Genome Research
A New Look at the Human Genome
The secret code in our DNA is hidden in viral residue
A team of scientists from the Japanese ASHBi Institute has made a groundbreaking discovery. It turns out that DNA fragments derived from ancient viruses, previously considered irrelevant, play a key role in gene regulation. These are elements belonging to the MER11 family, particularly its youngest subgroup, MER11_G4.
These sequences of viral origin act as switches that activate or silence genes. This discovery completely changes our understanding of so-called junk DNA. Scientists have demonstrated that up to 45 percent of our genome is involved in controlling developmental processes and may influence interspecies differences.
Junk DNA Regains Relevance
For decades, nearly half of human DNA was considered useless evolutionary relics. The term “junk DNA” has become a household name in both scientific and popular science literature. However, research in recent years has begun to challenge this concept. New discoveries provide evidence that many of these non-coding fragments perform important regulatory functions.
Transposons from the MER11 family are among these fragments. These sequences originally originated from viruses and were integrated into our genome over time. Instead of disappearing, they began to act as gene regulators.
New MER11 transposon classification
To thoroughly understand the function of these sequences, scientists decided to create a new classification of the MER11 family. They based this classification on evolutionary analysis and sequence conservation in the genomes of humans and other primates. This led to the identification of four subfamilies: MER11_G1, MER11_G2, MER11_G3, and MER11_G4.
The youngest of these, MER11_G4, proved to be the most active. These elements exert the strongest influence on gene activity in stem cells.
Advanced research tools confirm the role of MER11_G4
The researchers used the modern technique of lentiMPRA, a viral vector-based mass reporter analysis. This allowed them to test the activity of nearly 7,000 MER11 sequences from humans and other primates. They conducted experiments on stem cells and neural precursor cells.
The results clearly indicated that MER11_G4 sequences have exceptionally strong gene expression activation properties. These sequences most frequently acted as genetic switches in the cells studied.
MER11_G4 – viral gene switches
MER11_G4 contains specific motifs that bind transcription factors, which activate specific genes. Furthermore, these motifs are unique to humans and some primates. Their presence may explain biological differences between species and influence the course of embryonic development.
The researchers also discovered that these sequences exhibit high epigenetic activity. This means they act not only at the DNA level but also through modifications that affect gene reading without altering their sequence.
Embryonic Gene Control
The study reveals that MER11_G4 is involved in regulating processes occurring in early embryonic development. In stem cells, which have the ability to transform into any cell type, viral sequences help control which genes are activated and which are silenced.
This allows for precise control of an organism’s development from the earliest stages of life. This means that viral remnants are not just relics of the past but actively participate in biological processes.
Genetic differences between species
Interestingly, MER11_G4 is found in both humans and chimpanzees. However, some members of this subfamily are unique to humans. Mutations in these sequences may have influenced the development of traits unique to our species.
Differences in the regulatory activity of transposons may explain why individual species develop differently despite their largely similar genomes. This opens new perspectives in the study of human evolution.
Experts' Voice
Dr. Xun Chen, the study’s lead author, emphasizes that the younger MER11_G4 elements bind to a unique set of transcription factors. He believes this indicates that these sequences have acquired new functions through evolutionary change.
Dr. Inoue, another member of the research team, notes that despite the complete sequencing of the human genome, a significant portion remains unexplored. Discovering the function of MER11 is an important step toward a better understanding of the overall picture of human DNA.
New Directions in Genome Research
The MER11 study is just the beginning. The researchers now plan to investigate other transposon families that may also have regulatory functions. The goal is to create a new model for understanding the genome, in which every sequence has potential functional significance.
This also presents a challenge for current genetic annotation systems, which do not always consider non-coding elements in functional analyses.
A New Look at the Human Genome
The secret code in our DNA is no longer a matter of speculation. New research by scientists at the Japanese ASHBi Institute has demonstrated that virus-derived sequences can act as genetic switches. MER11_G4, in particular, demonstrates enormous regulatory potential, influencing cell and embryo development, and interspecies differences.
This discovery not only redefines the concept of “junk DNA” but also opens the door to new research on evolution, regenerative medicine, and gene therapies. The human genome holds much more than previously suspected—and its secrets are only just beginning to unfold.
