Biological Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
Cell Mol Life Sci. 2021 Jul;78(13):5245-5256. doi: 10.1007/s00018-021-03851-5. Epub 2021 May 14.
Retrotransposons are genetic elements present across all eukaryotic genomes. While their role in evolution is considered as a potentially beneficial natural source of genetic variation, their activity is classically considered detrimental due to their potentially harmful effects on genome stability. However, studies are increasingly shedding light on the regulatory function and beneficial role of somatic retroelement reactivation in non-pathological contexts. Here, we review recent findings unveiling the regulatory potential of retrotransposons, including their role in noncoding RNA transcription, as modulators of mammalian transcriptional and epigenome landscapes. We also discuss technical challenges in deciphering the multifaceted activity of retrotransposable elements, highlighting an unforeseen central role of this neglected portion of the genome both in early development and in adult life.
逆转录转座子是存在于所有真核生物基因组中的遗传元件。虽然它们在进化中的作用被认为是一种潜在有益的遗传变异的自然来源，但由于它们对基因组稳定性可能产生的有害影响，它们的活性通常被认为是有害的。然而，越来越多的研究揭示了体细胞逆转录转座子在非病理情况下的调控功能和有益作用。在这里，我们回顾了最近的发现，揭示了逆转录转座子的调控潜力，包括它们在非编码 RNA 转录中的作用，作为哺乳动物转录和表观基因组景观的调节剂。我们还讨论了解读逆转座元件多方面活性的技术挑战，强调了这一被忽视的基因组部分在早期发育和成年生活中的意想不到的核心作用。
