Alu elements are transposable DNA sequences—jumping genes—that "reproduce" by making a copy of themselves and then inserting that copy into a new spot on the chromosome. Alu elements did this so effectively in the past that they now comprise 10 percent of the human genome, and as such are the most abundant mobile elements in it.
Since they do not encode protein products, they used to be considered "junk DNA" or "selfish DNA," having no apparent function beyond their own replication. Yet, because they contain sequences that resemble canonical portions of genes, thousands of human genes contain pieces derived from them. Recent work in PNAS suggests that they may also play a role in regulating how genes get expressed, and possibly help differentiate humans from other primates.
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Kate Moss Zhang Ziyi Nikki Reed Natasha Bedingfield Audrina Patridge
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