The mysterious 'strange' gene in the human body

Scientists have discovered some non-genetic DNA from our ancestors, and this can change people's perception of evolution.

>> Publish the human gene variant map

Human DNA is characterized by plant genes and microorganisms

The new report, published in the journal Genome Biology, focuses on horizontal transgenic processes (HGT), which convert genes between organisms that live in the environment. The results show that since the wild humans have collected important ' foreign ' genes from floating microorganisms in the environment. The study has challenged long-held views that the evolution of genetically dependent animals has been passed down for generations, and even suggests that 'strange' gene supplementation may still be ongoing .

' This is the first study to show that the prevalence of HGT takes place in the animal world, including humans, leading to the rise of dozens to hundreds of positive ' foreign 'genes , according to Lead researcher Alastair Crisp of Cambridge University (UK). This expert said, surprisingly, that the above trend of gene exchange is not uncommon, and in fact it seems that HGT contributes to the evolution of many, even all animal species. Dr. Crisp argues that perhaps it is time for people to reevaluate the way we always think about evolution.

The genome has received foreign genes in the environment next to the genetic genes from ancestors - (Photo: Shutterstock)

HGT is a common occurrence in unicellular organisms , and is considered an important process in explaining how fast bacteria evolve, such as the ability to disable antibiotic strains. This is a mechanism that is supposed to play an important role in the evolution of some animals, including roundworms that collect genes from microorganisms and plants. Some beetles are found to "borrow" bacterial genes to produce enzymes that digest coffee beans. However, the idea of ​​HGT also appears in extremely complex animals, like humans, which is really a controversial issue in the scientific world.

The researchers analyzed the genomes of 12 fruit flies, four species of nematodes and 10 primates, including humans. They sought to identify which genes were ' foreign ' genes, and by comparing them with other groups in the same species, it was possible to predict when these genes were tolerated during evolution. Some genes, including the ABO-only gene, identify the vertebrate species received through the HGT method. In humans, British experts confirmed that 17 genes previously mentioned were loaded into the human gene by HGT, and found 128 'strange' genes in the human genome that had never been discovered before.

Among these, some genes are involved in lipid metabolism, including the breakdown of fatty acids and glycolipid formation. Other genes contribute to immune responses, including anti-inflammatory reactions, immune cell signaling and anti-bacterial reactions . Recently discovered genes are more likely to be transmitted from bacteria and organisms. single cells, but some are derived from viruses, responsible for 50 'strange' genes in primates ' genomes.