New type of human 'jumping gene' found in a poxvirus
Scientists at Cornell University have found a human genetic element in a poxvirus and discovered that it is both an important gene for brain function and a jumping gene capable of moving and inserting itself into genomes. A study published in Science reports that the gene, called BC200, combines characteristics never before seen together.
Scientists at Cornell University have identified a unique human genetic element called BC200 in a poxvirus, which exhibits both essential brain function and the ability to move and insert itself into genomes. This gene, primarily expressed in neurons, originated from a transposon, or "jumping gene," millions of years ago. Transposons are noncoding genetic elements capable of moving and inserting themselves into genomes, leading to potential disease or constructive evolution.
BC200 is the only human gene known to be both mobile and necessary for bodily functions. The discovery was made after BC200 was first observed in molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) in 2010, a benign human poxvirus that causes warts. The gene was found to have inserted into MCV twice within modern human history, around 100,000 years ago.
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