Science · 24 September 2026 · From issue 43
Escape of the BC200 gene to a human poxvirus reveals its persistent transposition in primates
A jumping brain gene copied itself into a human wart virus and still moves today.
Pu Gao, Ellen J. Pritham et al.
A brain gene called BC200 helps nerve cells build proteins. But this gene also has a second life: it keeps copying itself and jumping to new spots in the DNA of humans and other primates, something scientists thought had stopped long ago. Scientists found two copies of this gene inside a virus that causes a human wart-like skin infection. This shows the gene had jumped straight from a person's cells into the virus itself.
The number of times this brain gene was found inserted inside a human wart virus's DNA.
Genetic analysis only, no health effects tested yet.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 30 September 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Science). Read the source
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