Abstract
Ninety five percent of human genomic DNA does not code for proteins or functional RNA molecules, and is frequently referred to as "junk" or "selfish" DNA. The vast majority of this noncoding DNA has no documented role in the cell. However, according to recent analyses, three quarters of the human genome is transcriptionally active. We discuss whether the expression of non-coding genomic sequences is valuable for the cell or if it is a second-hand "junk" because of the incompleteness in transcriptional machinery organization and functioning. Introns constitute a major fraction of the noncoding DNA, representing over 40% of mammalian genomes. They are ambivalent elements that cause several problems and at the same time bring benefits to their host cells. There is a strong correspondence between the average length of introns and the size of the genome. Here we review the latest summary statistics on human introns, the evolution of introns in mammals, and the distribution of genes that encode functional RNAs within introns. We also suggest that splicing is an important filter for organisms with large genomes, serving to distinguish between functional mRNAs and arbitrary RNA transcripts generated from random loci.
Current Genomics
Title: Puzzles of the Human Genome: Why Do We Need Our Introns?
Volume: 6 Issue: 8
Author(s): L. Fedorova and A. Fedorov
Affiliation:
Keywords: Gene, splicing, exon, evolution, genomics
Abstract: Ninety five percent of human genomic DNA does not code for proteins or functional RNA molecules, and is frequently referred to as "junk" or "selfish" DNA. The vast majority of this noncoding DNA has no documented role in the cell. However, according to recent analyses, three quarters of the human genome is transcriptionally active. We discuss whether the expression of non-coding genomic sequences is valuable for the cell or if it is a second-hand "junk" because of the incompleteness in transcriptional machinery organization and functioning. Introns constitute a major fraction of the noncoding DNA, representing over 40% of mammalian genomes. They are ambivalent elements that cause several problems and at the same time bring benefits to their host cells. There is a strong correspondence between the average length of introns and the size of the genome. Here we review the latest summary statistics on human introns, the evolution of introns in mammals, and the distribution of genes that encode functional RNAs within introns. We also suggest that splicing is an important filter for organisms with large genomes, serving to distinguish between functional mRNAs and arbitrary RNA transcripts generated from random loci.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Fedorova L. and Fedorov A., Puzzles of the Human Genome: Why Do We Need Our Introns?, Current Genomics 2005; 6 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920205775811416
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920205775811416 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced AI Techniques in Big Genomic Data Analysis
The thematic issue on "Advanced AI Techniques in Big Genomic Data Analysis" aims to explore the cutting-edge methodologies and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of genomic research, where vast amounts of data pose both challenges and opportunities. This issue will cover a broad spectrum of AI-driven strategies, ...read more
Genomic Insights into Oncology: Harnessing Machine Learning for Breakthroughs in Cancer Genomics.
This special issue aims to explore the cutting-edge intersection of genomics and oncology, with a strong emphasis on original data and experimental validation. While maintaining the focus on how machine learning and advanced data analysis techniques are revolutionizing our understanding and treatment of cancer, this issue will prioritize contributions that ...read more
Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Omics Approaches in Complex Diseases
Recent advancements in AI and omics methodologies have revolutionized the landscape of biomedical research, enabling us to extract valuable information from vast amounts of complex data. By combining AI algorithms with omics technologies such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics, researchers can obtain a more comprehensive and multi-dimensional analysis of ...read more
Integrating Machine Learning with Genome Science: Pioneering Developments and Future Directions
Integrating machine learning (ML) with genome science is driving transformative advancements in fields such as genomics, personalized medicine, and drug discovery. Genomic data is vast and complex, making traditional analysis methods inadequate for uncovering deep insights. Machine learning, particularly deep learning models like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural ...read more
Related Journals

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Effects of Dapagliflozin on Adipose and Liver Fatty Acid Composition and
mRNA Expression Involved in Lipid Metabolism in High-Fat-Fed Rats
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Adipocytes Contribute to Resistance of Human Melanoma Cells to Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Importance of Reendothelialization After Arterial Injury
Current Pharmaceutical Design Transgenic Plants Expressing Bacterial Genes as a Model System for Plant Functional Genomics
Current Genomics Serelaxin: New Investigational Treatment in Acute Heart Failure
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Cerebral Ischemia and Ischemic Heart Diseases: Similarities and Differences
Current Cardiology Reviews An Insight to the Toxic Effect of Sulfamerazine on Porcine Pancreatic Amylase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity: An In Vitro Study
Current Chemical Biology Assessing TGF-β Prognostic Model Predictions for Chemotherapy Response and Oncogenic Role of FKBP1A in Liver Cancer
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Phytochemical Composition, Biological Activities and Processing Method of Genus <i>Anisophyllea</i>: A Review
The Natural Products Journal Healing the Diabetic Heart: Modulation of Cardiometabolic Syndrome through Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPARs)
Current Molecular Pharmacology The Role of Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in the Pathogenesis of Acute Lung Injury
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Sini Decoction Inhibits Tumor Progression and Enhances the Anti-Tumor Immune Response in a Murine Model of Colon Cancer
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening Anti-hyperglycemic Properties of a Purified Proteinaceous Protease Inhibitor from Macrotyloma Uniflorum Seeds
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry MicroRNAs and Physical Activity
MicroRNA STAT3 as a Central Regulator of Tumor Metastases
Current Molecular Medicine Colorectal Cancer Stem Cell Biomarkers: Biological Traits and Prognostic Insights
Current Pharmaceutical Design Association between Paraoxonase 1(PON1) Gene Polymorphisms and PON1 Enzyme Activity in Indian Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Current Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine Role of TGF-β in Melanoma
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 Roles in Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease
Current Drug Targets