Retrotransposon Exaptation: From Immunity to Neurodevelopment

Uttiya Basu, PhD
Professor
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Columbia University
New York, NY, USA

This conference is hosted by Javier Di Noia, PhD . 

About this conference
Retrotransposable elements are among the most abundant and evolutionarily dynamic components of mammalian genomes, yet their roles extend far beyond their traditional designation as genomic “junk” or selfish DNA. In this class, we will explore how retrotransposable elements (rTE)—including LINEs, SINEs, endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), and their derivatives—have shaped the development and function of the immune system. We will examine how the evolutionary conflict between host genomes and mobile elements has driven the emergence of sophisticated mechanisms of epigenetic silencing, RNA surveillance, innate immune sensing, and genome defense. At the same time, we will consider how sequences and proteins originally derived from retrotransposons have repeatedly been co-opted, to perform essential cellular functions. This process of molecular domestication has contributed to gene regulation, chromatin organization, cell–cell communication, and the evolution of novel immune functions. Particular attention will be given to the relationship between retrotransposable elements and adaptive immunity, including their influence on antigen receptor loci somatic hypermutation, and in innate immune response in the nervous system. An important theme will be the double-edged nature of these elements: the same genomic sequences that must be restrained to preserve genome stability can, when transcriptionally activated, generate nucleic acids and molecular patterns that engage innate immune pathways. Finally, we will examine emerging evidence that retrotransposable elements can be repurposed to create entirely new biological mechanisms in the nervous system, illustrating how genomic conflict can become a source of evolutionary innovation. The overarching goal is to view the genome not as a static repository of genes, but as an evolving ecosystem in which mobile genetic elements have profoundly influenced immune development and function.

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