Uploaded October 2020 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Transposons or transposable elements ("jumping genes") are DNA sequences in our genome which can change their location. Although transposable elements seem to be detrimental as these transposable elements can destroy genes they also have been highly beneficial for the evolution of humans. But why do transposable elements favor us?
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Transposons or transposable elements are DNA sequences which are found in virtually all known organisms. Transposable elements were first identified by Barbara McClintock who saw that transposons can break chromosomes in corn. For the discovery of transposable elements, Barbara McClintock was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
In humans, we know two types of transposons (transposable elements): class I or retrotransporons and class 2 or DNA transposons. These transposable elements classes have different mechanisms to jump around in the genome. While retrotransposons remain active, many transposable elements have been shut down by the cell through DNA methylation. DNA methylation involves the methylation of cytosine molecules by enzymes called DNMT3A or DNMT3B.
However, sometimes DNA methylation fails to repress transposable elements. If that is the case, the transposable element might destroy tumor suppressor genes. RB1 is a tumor suppressor gene which has been reported to be destroyed by transposons in unrelated people. Transposons also might cause hemophilia type A or Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy.
Transposable elements also have been very beneficial for the evolution of species. Placentas are formed by the production of syncytins which are former transposons. Also B cells use former transposons to make antibodies. All in all, transposons can be our worst nightmare and a blessing!
0:00-0:44 Intro
0:44-3:52 Jumping Genes
3:52-5:48 How Can We Control Transposons?
5:48-8:20 Transposons Can Destroy Genes
8:20-10:42 Transposons Benefit Evolution
For your further research:
Burns, Kathleen H., and Jef D. Boeke. "Human transposon tectonics." Cell 149.4 (2012): 740-752.
Payer, L. M., & Burns, K. H. (2019). Transposable elements in human genetic disease. Nature Reviews Genetics, 1-13.
Anwar, S. L., Wulaningsih, W., & Lehmann, U. (2017). Transposable elements in human cancer: causes and consequences of deregulation. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(5), 974.
Garcia-Perez, J. L., Widmann, T. J., & Adams, I. R. (2016). The impact of transposable elements on mammalian development. Development, 143(22), 4101-4114.
Images:
Some pictures were derived from Servier Medical Art by Servier. You can find over 3000 free medical images here: smart.servier.com
“white-eyed fruit fly” by Paul Reynolds, CCA 2.5 Generic
“X Chromosome Inversion” by Wessex Reg. Genetics Centre, CC BY 4.0
“Small Cell Carcinoma” by Yale Rosen, CC BY-SA 2.0
"Doctors at the General Assembly" by Waldo Jaquith, CC BY-SA 2.0
“Forearm” by Victoria Garcia, CC BY-SA 3.0
“Plant Cell” by domdomegg, CC BY 4.0
Music:
Intro:
Light Sting by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com
Body: Artist : Not For Nothing by Otis McDonald CCA
Title: Buddha by Kontekst
Genre and Mood: Hip Hop & Rap + Bright
Artist: incompetech.com
About Clemens Steinek:
CLEMENS STEINEK is a postgraduate student/youtuber (LifeLabLearner) who is currently conducting stem cell research in Germany.
Transposons or transposable elements ("jumping genes") are DNA sequences in our genome which can change their location. Although transposable elements seem to be detrimental as these transposable elements can destroy genes they also have been highly beneficial for the evolution of humans. But why do transposable elements favor us?
🔬 Subscribe for more awesome biomedical research: bit.ly/2SRMqhC
🔬Me being funny on other media:
Twitter: twitter.com/CSteinek
Discord: discord.gg/9VKnTSF
Transposons or transposable elements are DNA sequences which are found in virtually all known organisms. Transposable elements were first identified by Barbara McClintock who saw that transposons can break chromosomes in corn. For the discovery of transposable elements, Barbara McClintock was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
In humans, we know two types of transposons (transposable elements): class I or retrotransporons and class 2 or DNA transposons. These transposable elements classes have different mechanisms to jump around in the genome. While retrotransposons remain active, many transposable elements have been shut down by the cell through DNA methylation. DNA methylation involves the methylation of cytosine molecules by enzymes called DNMT3A or DNMT3B.
However, sometimes DNA methylation fails to repress transposable elements. If that is the case, the transposable element might destroy tumor suppressor genes. RB1 is a tumor suppressor gene which has been reported to be destroyed by transposons in unrelated people. Transposons also might cause hemophilia type A or Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy.
Transposable elements also have been very beneficial for the evolution of species. Placentas are formed by the production of syncytins which are former transposons. Also B cells use former transposons to make antibodies. All in all, transposons can be our worst nightmare and a blessing!
0:00-0:44 Intro
0:44-3:52 Jumping Genes
3:52-5:48 How Can We Control Transposons?
5:48-8:20 Transposons Can Destroy Genes
8:20-10:42 Transposons Benefit Evolution
For your further research:
Burns, Kathleen H., and Jef D. Boeke. "Human transposon tectonics." Cell 149.4 (2012): 740-752.
Payer, L. M., & Burns, K. H. (2019). Transposable elements in human genetic disease. Nature Reviews Genetics, 1-13.
Anwar, S. L., Wulaningsih, W., & Lehmann, U. (2017). Transposable elements in human cancer: causes and consequences of deregulation. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(5), 974.
Garcia-Perez, J. L., Widmann, T. J., & Adams, I. R. (2016). The impact of transposable elements on mammalian development. Development, 143(22), 4101-4114.
Images:
Some pictures were derived from Servier Medical Art by Servier. You can find over 3000 free medical images here: smart.servier.com
“white-eyed fruit fly” by Paul Reynolds, CCA 2.5 Generic
“X Chromosome Inversion” by Wessex Reg. Genetics Centre, CC BY 4.0
“Small Cell Carcinoma” by Yale Rosen, CC BY-SA 2.0
"Doctors at the General Assembly" by Waldo Jaquith, CC BY-SA 2.0
“Forearm” by Victoria Garcia, CC BY-SA 3.0
“Plant Cell” by domdomegg, CC BY 4.0
Music:
Intro:
Light Sting by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com
Body: Artist : Not For Nothing by Otis McDonald CCA
Title: Buddha by Kontekst
Genre and Mood: Hip Hop & Rap + Bright
Artist: incompetech.com
About Clemens Steinek:
CLEMENS STEINEK is a postgraduate student/youtuber (LifeLabLearner) who is currently conducting stem cell research in Germany.
