Understanding of Transposons, or Jumping Genes, the Hidden Player in Health and Disease

Background: Transposons (TEs), or jumping genes, are a unique group of genes that possess the ability to move from one location to another within the genome. These elements occur in various forms (RNA transposons, DNA transposons, and Helitrons), each with different mechanisms that affect the genome. This type of gene is present in all living organisms.Objective: This study aimed to highlight this unique group of genes, their classification, how they function, their mechanisms of action, and their role in the development of diseases, gene evolution, and biological diversity; to define what is known as “horizontal gene transfer” and the possibility of gene transfer from food to living organisms; and to underline the beneficial role of transposons in correcting gene defects and manipulating genetic material.Methods: This narrative review article was conducted by searching relevant review literature in medical databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, etc., using relevant keywords (jumping genes, transposons, transposable elements, horizontal gene transfer, selfish genes, etc.).Results: This review discloses and highlights the unique phenomenon of transposition, which is important for epigenetic regulation and genomic evolution, as well as the detrimental effects of these selfish genes, which can lead to genomic instability and the development of diseases and cancers.Conclusion: Transposons are fundamental to the dynamic genome. Their spontaneous movement leads to genomic plasticity, adaptive changes, and the formation of new genes. LINE-1 and Alu elements have been associated with genomic instability and tumorigenesis, but further research is needed to explore this association.