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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
11:52
Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
Published on: April 23, 2016
An active retrotransposon in Candida albicans
N J Holton1, T J Goodwin, M I Butler
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Nucleic Acids Research
|September 28, 2001
Summary
The Tca2 retrotransposon in Candida albicans is widespread, with extrachromosomal DNA levels varying by strain and temperature. This study confirms Tca2
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Microbiology
Background:
- Tca2 is a Ty1/copia-type retrotransposon identified in the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans.
- It exists as an abundant, linear, extrachromosomal, double-stranded DNA molecule.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and regulation of Tca2 in C. albicans.
- To analyze the retrotranspositional activity of Tca2.
Main Methods:
- Studied Tca2 abundance across different C. albicans strains and growth temperatures.
- Developed a transposition assay using a cloned, selectable marker-tagged Tca2 element.
- Analyzed RNA levels and DNA integration sites of transposed elements.
Main Results:
- Tca2 is widespread in C. albicans, but extrachromosomal DNA abundance varies significantly between strains and is temperature-dependent.
- Tca2 RNA levels correlate with extrachromosomal DNA levels, suggesting transcriptional regulation.
- The marked Tca2 element demonstrated active transposition, with precise intron removal in newly integrated copies.
Conclusions:
- Tca2 transposition has been observed in Candida albicans for the first time.
- Extrachromosomal Tca2 DNA levels are influenced by growth temperature and potentially regulated at the transcriptional level.
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