Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
09:52
Generation of High Quality Chromatin Immunoprecipitation DNA Template for High-throughput Sequencing ChIP-seq
Published on: April 19, 2013
24.8K
Extrachromosomal Circular DNA and Transposable Elements in Type 2 Diabetes
Celeste Moya-Valera1, Alex Fernando Arita1, Francisco Lara-Hernández1
1Genomics and Diabetes Unit, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Transposable elements (TEs) and circular extrachromosomal DNA (eccDNA) are implicated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathogenesis and aging. Understanding these genetic factors may lead to new T2D prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Metabolic Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) results from complex genetic and environmental interactions.
- Transposable elements (TEs) and circular extrachromosomal DNA (eccDNA) are linked to cellular aging and metabolic dysfunction.
- While distinct, eccDNA can originate from TEs, suggesting shared or related mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on TEs and eccDNA in T2D.
- To examine the association between T2D and TEs or eccDNA.
- To highlight their role in aging and potential as T2D biomarkers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on TEs, eccDNA, and T2D.
- Analysis of reported associations and mechanistic insights.
- Synthesis of findings regarding disease pathogenesis and aging.
Main Results:
- TE activation and eccDNA production are implicated in T2D development.
- These genetic elements are associated with cellular aging processes.
- Evidence suggests distinct but potentially overlapping pathways involving TEs and eccDNA in T2D.
Conclusions:
- TEs and eccDNA play a significant role in T2D pathogenesis, especially concerning aging.
- These molecules show promise as potential biomarkers for T2D risk.
- Targeting TEs and eccDNA could offer novel avenues for T2D prevention.
Related Concept Videos
03:18Non-LTR Retrotransposons
13.1K
As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
13.1K
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
4.2K
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
4.2K
03:08LTR Retrotransposons
19.4K
LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
19.4K
02:13Overview of Transposition and Recombination
18.7K
Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
18.7K
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
4.8K
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
4.8K
02:57DNA-only Transposons
17.1K
DNA-only transposons are called autonomous transposons since they code for the enzyme transposase that is required for the transposition mechanism. Insertion of transposons can alter gene functions in multiple ways. They can mutate the gene, alter gene expression by introducing a novel promoter or insulator sequence, introduce new splice sites, and change the mRNA transcripts produced, or remodel chromatin structure.
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
17.1K