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Inactivated mariner-like elements (MLE) in pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella
1Department of Entomology, Waters Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS66506, USA.
Abstract:
We isolated multiple copies of mariner-like element (MLE) from the pink bollworm (PBW), Pectinophora gossypiella, a key lepidopteran cotton pest. Although all the MLE sequences contain multiple mutations accumulated in their transposase coding region, the consensus sequence revealed a putative ancestral transposase encoding 339 amino acid residues with a D,D(34)D motif, and 36 bp inverted terminal repeats, belonging to the cecropia subfamily, and most similar to the MLE found in Antheraea species. Examining six different pink bollworm populations, we conclude that the MLE in PBW described in this study are ancient and are undergoing the process of accumulating inactivating mutations. This conclusion is supported by the patterns of polymorphisms revealed by genomic Southern hybridization, transposable element displays, and sequences from multiple MLE.
Insights
Mariner-like elements (MLEs) in the pink bollworm (PBW) are ancient, with transposase genes accumulating inactivating mutations. This study analyzed MLE sequences and polymorphisms across multiple PBW populations.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- The pink bollworm (PBW), Pectinophora gossypiella, is a significant lepidopteran pest affecting cotton crops.
- Transposable elements, such as mariner-like elements (MLEs), are mobile genetic components found in various organisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize mariner-like elements (MLEs) from the pink bollworm (PBW).
- To investigate the evolutionary status and mutational patterns of MLEs in different PBW populations.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of MLE sequences from PBW genomic DNA.
- Sequence analysis to identify conserved motifs and structural features.
- Genomic Southern hybridization and transposable element displays.
- Analysis of polymorphisms in MLEs across six different PBW populations.
Main Results:
- Multiple copies of MLEs were isolated from PBW.
- The consensus MLE sequence suggests an ancestral transposase with conserved functional motifs (D,D(34)D) and inverted terminal repeats.
- MLEs in PBW are ancient and exhibit patterns of inactivating mutations.
- Sequence polymorphisms indicate ongoing degradation across multiple PBW populations.
Conclusions:
- The MLEs in the pink bollworm are ancient and appear to be in a process of accumulating inactivating mutations.
- This study provides insights into the evolutionary dynamics of transposable elements in insect pests.
