UNSW scientists have uncovered the hidden switches in DNA, revealing new insights into Alzheimer’s disease.

When most of us think of DNA, we have a vague idea it’s made up of genes that give us our physical features, our behavioural quirks, and keep our cells and organs running.

But only a tiny percentage of our DNA – around 2% – contains our 20,000-odd genes. The remaining 98% – long known as the non-coding genome, or so-called ‘junk’ DNA – includes many of the switches that control when and how strongly genes are expressed.

Now researchers from UNSW Sydney have identified the DNA switches that help control how astrocytes work – these are brain cells that support neurons, and are known to play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.