Scientists have uncovered a surprising way that “jumping genes” may move between species and speed up evolution. While these mobile genetic elements were thought to travel mainly inside viruses or plasmids, researchers found circular intron RNA from a tiny predatory bacterium inside the dead cells of another microorganism. Because the RNA forms a stable ring that resists breakdown, it may provide jumping genes with a previously unknown route for spreading between species.
Scientists caught a jumping gene mid-leap, revealing a surprising new route for genes to spread between species and accelerate evolution.
Jumping genes are genetic parasites found in bacteria, plants, animals, and humans. They can be released inside cells as small RNA molecules from ribonucleic acid (RNA), then use specialized mechanisms to insert themselves into new locations within the genetic material. These movements can give cells new traits, making jumping genes an important force in evolutionary change.
Some jumping genes can also remove themselves from RNA with the help of an RNA enzyme. These elements, known as ribozymes or self-splicing introns, represent a distinctive group of mobile genes.
Moving within a single cell is one thing. Crossing into another cell or even another species is far more difficult. Genetic family tree studies show that such transfers have occurred, but scientists have generally assumed that jumping genes traveled as passengers inside plasmids or viruses.
Jens Harder and his colleagues have now observed something unexpected that points to another possible route.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260803080911.htm
