Rethinking the “gypsy” retrotransposon: A roadmap for community-driven reconsideration of problematic gene names
Kevin H.-C. Wei, Reema Aldaimalani, Dat Mai, Daniel Zinshteyn, Satyaki PRV, Justin P. Blumenstiel, Erin S. Kelleher, Ethel Brooks
Abstract
AbstractTransposable elements (TE) can replicate and mobilize at the detriment of the host genome they reside in; thus, they are considered selfish or parasitic genetic elements. First discovered in Drosophila, the gypsy retroelement was named in reference to the migratory history of the Romani people. This name later came to denote an entire family of wide-spread TEs and related viruses. Here, we discuss why the continued use of “gypsy” in this scientific context is insensitive and perpetuates racial stereotypes. Further, we outline a series of steps for the reconsideration of problematic gene names that take into account the relevant scientific communities, literature continuity, and, importantly, the harmed communities.