New use for old Genes

Just read an article (1) on so called junk genes. These are genes that make defective RNA, the stuff that helps make protein in cells. The junk genes have been considered useless remnants, or vestigial pieces of genetic material. Now we find out that these defective structures may actually lure molecules that might otherwise cause trouble away from their intended target to form a harmless unit. Or, more sinister, they might lure a beneficial control substance away from a normal gene, thus making it more likely to create problems, like cancer. Big deal? You bet it is. This changes the way we have to think about the control of all sorts of biochemical pathways, and open the way to research that could lead to solving some very perplexing medical problems.
For years, texts have reported lots of DNA in cells that was called “vestigial” and therefore considered useless. My students might remember me cautioning that just because we don’t know what something does, does not mean that it does nothing. In fact, because evolution and natural selection are such powerful agents in the world of the cell and organism, I think that it is likely that most or all of the so-called vestigial genetic material will eventually be found to do something besides just sit there and suck up resources.
Human hubris knows no bounds, so take care not to fall into that trap. Keep your mind open, watch, listen and be prepared to push the boundaries of human knowledge.
Who says science is dull? The image is of a mouse "hand" growing an opposable thumb. Cool, huh? The article that accompanies the photo explains.

1. http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/60515/title/Vestigial_no_more
Image: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/09/scientists-find/