IMPACT OF RETROELEMENTS ON HUMAN GENE REGULATIONS

Patrik Medstrand, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Lund University,

We have previously shown

that the distribution of retroelements (REs) in humans is not random but

distributed differently with respect to GC content and gene density.  As an

approach to gain a more global understanding of the impact that REs have upon

gene regulation in humans, we analyzed the RE content within mRNAs of ~12,000

annotated gene loci and found that 25% contain a RE segment within the 5’ or 3’

untranslated regions.  We also found that recently expanded gene classes, such

as those involved in immunity or response to external stimuli, have transcripts

enriched in REs, whereas those with basic functions in development or metabolism

exclude REs.  These results indicate that REs participate in the regulatory

control of many human genes and suggest a role for these elements in aberrant