Transposable Elements As Dynamic Regulators Of Skeletal Muscle Development, Regeneration And Aging
For a long time, scientists thought that large portions of our DNA were just “junk” – inactive genetic material with no real purpose. However, we now understand that these so-called “junk” segments, known as transposable elements (TEs), are actually highly active and play crucial roles in our biology.
These mobile genetic sequences, which can make copies of themselves and move around within our genome, act as important regulators. They can influence how other genes are turned on or off and even guide the destiny of cells.
Recent research highlights their significant impact on skeletal muscle. During muscle development, these elements show specific patterns of activity at different stages. They are also deeply involved in how muscles repair themselves after injury, a process called regeneration. Interestingly, their role can be a double-edged sword: sometimes their activation helps in healing, like in bone repair, but at other times, their uncontrolled activity can contribute to chronic inflammation and hinder regeneration, as seen in conditions like Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
As we age, the mechanisms our cells use to keep these transposable elements in check become less effective. This leads to increased activity of these elements and changes in the structure of our genetic material, contributing to the decline in muscle function associated with aging. Understanding these dynamic elements is key to unlocking new insights into muscle health, disease, and the aging process.
Source: link to paper