'Junk DNA' Can Sense Viral Infection: Promising Tool in the Battle Between Pathogen and Host

ScienceDaily ^ | Apr. 24, 2012 | NA

[neverdem]

Once considered unimportant "junk DNA," scientists have learned that non-coding RNA (ncRNA) -- RNA molecules that do not translate into proteins -- play a crucial role in cellular function. Mutations in ncRNA are associated with a number of conditions, such as cancer, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.

Now, through the use of "deep sequencing," a technology used to sequence the genetic materials of the human genome, Dr. Noam Shomron of Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine has discovered that when infected with a virus, ncRNA gives off biological signals that indicate the presence of an infectious agent, known as a pathogen. Not only does this finding give researchers a more complete picture of the interactions between pathogens and the body, but it provides scientists with a new avenue for fighting off infections.

His findings have been published in the journal Nucleic Acid Research.

Another battleground between pathogen and host

"If we see that the number of particular RNA molecules increases during a specific viral infection, we can develop treatments to stop or slow their proliferation," explains Dr. Shomron.

In the lab, the researchers conducted a blind study in which some cells were infected with the HIV virus and others were left uninfected. Using the deep sequencer, which can read tens of millions of sequences per experiment, they analyzed the ncRNA to discover if the infection could be detected in non-coding DNA materials. The researchers were able to identify with 100% accuracy both infected and non-infected cells -- all because the ncRNA was giving off significant signals, explains Dr. Shomron.

These signals, which can include either the increase or decrease of specific ncRNA molecules within a cell, most likely have biological significance, he says. "With the introduction of a pathogen, there is a reaction in both the coding and non-coding genes

[neverdem]

Novel insight into the non-coding repertoire through deep sequencing analysis

FReebie

[neverdem]

Prions in the brain eliminated by homing molecules

FReepmail me if you want on or off my combined microbiology/immunology ping list.

[gusopol3]

Thanks, very interesting. I remember an article posted several years back of researchers seeking to show junk DNA as detritus of remote encounters with viral pathogens and trying to construct an evolutionary history and theory from that.

[samtheman]

thanks

[AU72]

Junk DNA is a feature not a bug.

[aruanan]

"If we see that the number of particular RNA molecules increases during a specific viral infection, we can develop treatments to stop or slow their proliferation," explains Dr. Shomron.

But perhaps stopping or slowing the proliferation of particular RNA molecules will increase the potency of the disease by removing a signaling mechanism the body has to initiate an immune response against it.

[originalbuckeye]

Wow. Thansk for posting. Very interesting.

[exDemMom]

Thanks, very interesting. I remember an article posted several years back of researchers seeking to show junk DNA as detritus of remote encounters with viral pathogens and trying to construct an evolutionary history and theory from that.

We have quite a bit of viral DNA embedded in our chromosomes, and apparently, much of our evolutionary history is contained within those viruses:

"Astonishingly, only 1.5% of the genetic material in our cells codes for human life. Half of the rest is sometimes described as "junk DNA" with no known function, and the other half consist of genes introduced by viruses and other parasites."

It may be incorrect to call those viruses "pathogens" when they make up such a large proportion of our genetic material.

[Weirdad]

Very cogent!

[SunkenCiv]

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[SunkenCiv]

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[vetvetdoug]

Thanks!

[Alas Babylon!]

That’s why we test it on rats and other animals first. Of course PETA would have none of that...