Futurity · Health

New Layer of Human Genome Discovered

Scientists have identified a previously unknown feature of human DNA, dubbed the "ribome," which involves ribonucleotides embedded within the DNA structure. This discovery could alter our understanding of DNA organization and gene activity.

Researchers found that ribonucleotides, typically separate RNA building blocks, are not randomly distributed in DNA but appear in distinct patterns across the genome. This genome-wide landscape has been named the human nuclear "ribome."

Contrary to the view that these embedded ribonucleotides are merely cellular mistakes, the findings suggest they influence DNA's physical properties and may have biological functions.

These embedded RNA building blocks are particularly prevalent near the start of active genes and increase with gene activity. They appear to affect how tightly DNA twists and coils in these regions, a process linked to transcription.

The study indicates that these ribonucleotides are not just byproducts of cellular processes but can modulate DNA supercoiling, connecting chemical composition, physical organization, and transcription.

This discovery may offer new insights into diseases associated with problems in removing embedded RNA from DNA, such as rare autoimmune disorders.

The comprehensive map of these RNA marks in human DNA suggests that what were once considered molecular errors may play a role in genome organization and function, opening new avenues for research into DNA topology and genome maintenance.

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