Retrotransposons, like their viral cousins, have been observed using the cell’s own machinery to accomplish their objectives. They take over a little-known portion of the cell’s DNA repair process, shape themselves into ring-like structures, and then produce an identical double strand. The discovery challenges 40 years of conventional wisdom and might provide fresh perspectives on immune responses, viral infections, and cancer. Additionally, it might present a fresh method for adding sequences to the genome.
DNA element with a murky past is borrowing cell’s repair machinery
