THE first intact 鈥渏umping gene鈥� in the human genome has been isolated by
researchers in Germany.
RNA viruses can copy their genes into a host鈥檚 DNA, creating DNA sequences
known as retrotransposons. These fragments can reinsert themselves elsewhere in
the genome, sometimes causing damage. This jumping eventually stops as the
retrotransposons lose the genes vital for copying themselves. But Eckart Meese
and Jens Mayer of the University of the Saarland have found a retrotransposon on
human chromosome 7 that still makes complete viral proteins (Nature
Genetics, vol 21, p 257).
The researchers plan to test whether the fragment can really 鈥渏ump鈥�. Meese
suggests its genes could be beneficial鈥攖he proteins they code for may
prevent infection by occupying sites where harmful viruses might bind.
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