New insights into the functional role of retrotransposon dynamics in mammalian somatic cells.
Cell Mol Life Sci
; 78(13): 5245-5256, 2021 Jul.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33990851
ABSTRACT
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.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Retroelements
/
Evolution, Molecular
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RNA, Untranslated
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Genomic Instability
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Epigenome
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Mammals
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Cell Mol Life Sci
Journal subject:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: