THE COOL THREAD

[kevbone]

So cool.....

 

 

[Dechristo]

 

"Human Retro Elements

 

Retro Elements are a diverse assemblage of related molecular entities. Originally, they were described as genetic parasites that inhabit the genomes of all eukaryotes and many prokaryotes. The molecular thread interweaving this complex phylogenetic tapestry is the copying of RNA into DNA during a step in the life cycle of each of these organisms. This process is carried out by reverse transcriptase (RT), in most cases encoded by the retro element but, in a few cases, such as the retrotranscripts, borrowed from another retr oelement. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and non-LTR retrotransposons are two groups of retro elements covering about 42 % of the human genome. They were shown to affect their host quite dramatically. Of the two groups only the non-LTR retrotransposons were clearly demonstrated to actively sprawl throughout the human genome at present, leading to generation of ~34% of the chromosomal DNA. Retro Elements can cause genetic disorders and are associated with tumour development by a number of mechanisms. Additionally, their gene products are suggested to directly influence the developmental status of specific cell types. In general, retro elements are strictly repressed, especially in adult tissues. They can, however, be activated under conditions inflicting stress to cells, in particular to DNA. Activation of replication competent or pathogenic retro elements would pose a substantial risk to innovative applications such as gene therapy, stem cell therapy or tissue transplantation. Research aimed at understanding the regulation and the pathogenic potential of retro elements in physiological and tumourigenic processes may provide a profound basis for the risk assessment of retro elements in ex vivo manipulated biomedicinal therapeutics."

 

 

 

 

The celebration of and rebellion against regulation of the pathogentic potential of retro elements