'Sleeping dogs' threaten the genome as we age

‘Sleeping dogs’ threaten the genome as we age
“Although aging is perhaps the most basic aspect of life, the mechanisms that explain it remain a puzzle,” the authors write.

The genomes of many organisms, humans included, are littered with repetitive sequences of DNA called retrotransposons. In a new "Perspective" in the journal Science, four biologists write that while most retrotransposons have become inert "fossils" over evolutionary time, about 100 such rogue elements are still trying to copy themselves, potentially wreaking havoc on health.

Genomes are not oblivious to the threat, note the researchers, including Brown University biologists Stephen Helfand and John Sedivy, senior corresponding author. Our cells keep retrotransposons literally under wraps by winding them up in a tight conformation called heterochromatin. But recent research at Brown and elsewhere has shown that as organisms age, those defensive mechanisms loosen, allowing retrotransposons to emerge, potentially contributing to health problems such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and autoimmune disorders.

"Although aging is perhaps the most basic aspect of life, the mechanisms that explain it remain a puzzle," the authors write. "Retrotransposon activation brings in yet another dimension: We may be bogged down in a complex host-parasite-like struggle—with evolution acting on both parties—leaving open the possibility for profound collateral damage on our soma."

Although the battle has been raging within our cells for millions of years, humans may now be able to do something more intentional about it.

"Clearly, letting sleeping dogs lie by keeping them mired in heterochromatin is a compelling strategy," the essay states. "For this we need drugs targeted at chromatin regulators."

Among other promising avenues are "reverse transcriptase inhibitor" drugs that treat HIV, albeit with side effects, because they can impede the process by which can spread in the genome, write the authors, who call for further research.

‘Sleeping dogs’ threaten the genome as we age
Our genomes keep rogue elements tightly bound and under control, although that control appears to weaken as we age.

More information: "Sleeping dogs of the genome" Science 5 December 2014: Vol. 346 no. 6214 pp. 1187-1188 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa3177

Journal information: Science

Provided by Brown University

Citation: 'Sleeping dogs' threaten the genome as we age (2014, December 5) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2014-12-dogs-threaten-genome-age.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

A multi-function protein is key to stopping genomic parasites from 'jumping'

0 shares

Feedback to editors