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Genome ‘junk’ may be key to how we work
The human genetic code is far more complex and dynamic than
scientists had previously imagined, a study by experts from around
the world has found.
It was previously assumed only certain stretches of DNA, the genes,
had any important function. However, the study shows most of the
genome, including parts dismissed as "junk", appears to be actively
involved in relaying instructions to cells within the body.
Instead of a desert containing occasional oases, scientists now see
the genome as an intricate tapestry of interwoven connections.
Dr Tim Hubbard, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Hinxton,
Cambridge-shire, who took part in the research, said: "The majority of
the genome is copied, or transcribed, into RNA, the active molecule
in our cells.
"This is a remarkable finding, since most prior research suggested
only a fraction of the genome was transcribed."
Scientists had already learned areas of DNA outside the genes were
involved in gene regulation but the new work identifies previously
unknown control regions.
"The integrated approach has helped us to identify new regions of
gene regulation and altered our view of how it occurs," said Dr
Hubbard.
The ENCODE (ENCyclopaedia Of DNA Elements) project involved
scientists from 80 centres and took five years.
Dr Manolis Dermitzakis, another member of the Sanger Centre team,
said: "A major surprise was that many of the novel control regions are
not shared with other species. We appear to have a reservoir of
active elements that seem to provide no specific or direct benefit.
"Our suggestion is these elements can provide a source for new
variation between species and within the human genome. This is our
genomic seedcorn for the future."
12:11am Thursday 14th June 2007
By JAMES MORGAN reporter
http://www.theherald.co.uk/misc/print.php?artid=1470047
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6/15/2007