Active Human Retrotransposons: Variation and Disease

Abstract

Mobile DNAs, also known as transposons or “jumping genes”, are widespread in nature and comprise an estimated 45% of the human genome. Transposons are divided into two general classes based on their transposition intermediate (DNA or RNA). Only one subclass, non-LTR retrotransposons, is currently active in humans as indicated by 96 disease-causing insertions. These autonomous Long INterspersed Element-1s (LINE-1s or L1s) are capable of retrotransposing not only a copy of their own RNA but also other RNAs (Alu, SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA), U6) in trans to new genomic locations through an element encoded reverse transcriptase. L1 can also retrotranspose cellular mRNAs, resulting in processed pseudogene formation. Here, we highlight recent reports that update our understanding of human L1 retrotransposition and their role in disease. Finally we discuss studies that provide insights into the past and current activity of these retrotransposons, and shed light on not just when, but where, retrotransposition occurs and its part in genetic variation.