Scientists discover a human brain gene that can jump through DNA

This brain gene can move through human DNA — and scientists found it inside a virus

Researchers at Cornell University identified the BC200 gene, which originated from a transposon in human DNA. This gene displays unusual mobility, retaining its ability to move within the genome while functioning in brain cells. The presence of BC200 in molluscum contagiosum virus raises questions about its evolutionary history and potential roles in human health.

Scientists discover a human brain gene that can jump through DNA

Scientists have discovered a human gene with a remarkable double life: it appears to play an important role in brain cells while still retaining the ability to jump around the genome. Called BC200, the gene evolved millions of years ago from a mobile piece of DNA known as a transposon, but unlike most genes that arose this way, it never lost its mobility. Researchers even found BC200 embedded inside a human poxvirus, suggesting it may have jumpe…

Scientists discover human brain gene that can jump DNA

8 Source: www.sciencedaily.com

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