Word of the month: Jumping Genes

What is it?

Imagine that our DNA is like a big book describing how our body works. Within this book, certain "paragraphs" of DNA can move or copy themselves to fit into other sections, changing the content of the text. These "paragraphs" are called jumping genes, or retrotransposons.

Jumping genes, like L1-type retrotransposons, move freely around our genome and can sometimes rewrite part of our DNA. This phenomenon plays an important role in the evolution of species, creating genetic diversity. However, it can also cause imbalances in cellular functions and be at the root of certain diseases, such as cancer.

As part of the ImpacTE project , funded by the French National Research Agency and led by Gaël Cristofari, an INSERM researcher at theInstitut de Recherche sur le Cancer et le Vieillissement(IRCAN), the team is exploring the role of L1 retrotransposons and their impact on the genome. They use advanced techniques such as nanopore sequencing and CRISPR genome editing to understand how these jumping genes influence our DNA.

Science in focus:

• Jumping genes: These DNA fragments can move to different locations in the genome, affecting our genetic evolution.
• Role in pathologies: Their incorrect insertion can disrupt cellular functions, contributing to the development of cancers or other genetic diseases.
• Technologies used :
  • CRISPR (genome editing): A tool that "cuts" DNA at precise points to modify or replace a genetic sequence, like molecular scissors.
  • Nanopore sequencing: A technology that reads whole DNA in real time, by passing DNA strands through a small pore. This enables large sections of DNA to be sequenced rapidly and with great precision.

The work of the ImpacTE project offers new insights into evolution and human genetics, with potential applications for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases and cancers.

Find out more about the IMPACTE research project!