New Microscopic Entities Called Obelisks Found in Humans

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at Stanford University have identified a previously unknown virus-like entity present in large numbers within the human body, Called 'obelisks', these microscopic genetic elements were found lurking inside the mouth and gut during analysis of existing human microbiome datasets.

What are Obelisks?

Obelisks are very small, circular pieces of genetic material that self-assemble into rod-shaped structures. Containing just one or two genes, they represent a new type of biological entity. Their exact hosts remain unknown, but evidence suggests they rely on bacteria or fungi within the human body for replication.

Distinct from Viruses and Viroids

While sharing some characteristics with viruses and viroids - the two other known virus-like microscopic entities - obelisks also have key differences. Unlike viruses which require a host cell to replicate, obelisks are capable of independent self-assembly. And in contrast to viroids which lack protein-coding genes, obelisks contain sequences predicted to code for proteins, specifically two called obulins.

Obelisks possess a circular, single-stranded RNA genome with no protein coat or shell around their genetic material, similar to viroids. But their genomes encode genes for proteins, like viruses. The exact functions of the obulins remain unknown as they bear no resemblance to other known proteins.

Prevalence and Distribution By searching public genetic databases, the Stanford team discovered a staggering diversity of nearly 30,000 distinct obelisk types present not just in humans, but across the globe in various habitats.