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The maize genome contains a helitron insertion.

Shailesh K Lal1, Michael J Giroux, Volker Brendel

  • 1Program in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and Horticultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0690, USA.

The Plant Cell
|February 5, 2003
PubMed
Summary

A large, repetitive DNA insertion in maize, termed Helitron, disrupts gene splicing and suggests active Helitron elements in the maize genome. This insertion, found in the sh2-7527 mutation, contains plant DEAD box RNA helicase genes.

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Area of Science:

  • Plant genetics
  • Molecular biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • The sh2-7527 mutation in maize, identified in the 1970s, contains foreign sequences but is not due to chromosomal rearrangements.
  • Understanding the nature of this insertion is crucial for maize genetics and breeding.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the foreign DNA insertion in the maize sh2-7527 mutant.
  • To determine the origin and mechanism of the mutation.
  • To investigate the potential for active transposable elements in maize.

Main Methods:

  • DNA hybridization studies to assess copy numbers in maize, sorghum, and Arabidopsis.
  • Sequence analysis of the insertion and flanking regions.
  • Comparative genomics to identify similarities with known transposable elements.

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Main Results:

  • The mutation is caused by a large (≥12 kb), repetitive DNA insertion, not chromosomal exchange or inversion.
  • The insertion contains three intron-bearing maize genes and shows significant similarity to Helitron transposable elements.
  • The insertion alters pre-mRNA splicing from a distance and contains sequences homologous to plant DEAD box RNA helicase.

Conclusions:

  • The sh2-7527 insertion represents a novel maize Helitron element.
  • Evidence suggests the presence of active Helitron elements in the contemporary maize genome.
  • Helitron activity may play a role in maize genome evolution and mutation processes.