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Related Concept Videos

LTR Retrotransposons03:08

LTR Retrotransposons

LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

Non-LTR Retrotransposons

As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
DNA-only Transposons02:57

DNA-only Transposons

DNA-only transposons are called autonomous transposons since they code for the enzyme transposase that is required for the transposition mechanism. Insertion of transposons can alter gene functions in multiple ways. They can mutate the gene, alter gene expression by introducing a novel promoter or insulator sequence, introduce new splice sites, and change the mRNA transcripts produced, or remodel chromatin structure.
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...

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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

Published on: April 23, 2016

The take and give between retrotransposable elements and their hosts.

Arthur Beauregard1, M Joan Curcio, Marlene Belfort

  • 1New York State Department of Health, Center for Medical Sciences, Albany, New York 12208, 12201-2002, USA. beaureg@wadsworth.org

Annual Review of Genetics
|August 6, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Retrotransposons, including non-LTR and LTR types, interact with host cells, utilizing RNA and host factors for mobility. This review explores their coevolution with host defenses across diverse organisms.

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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Mobile genetic elements
  • Host-pathogen interactions

Background:

  • Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that replicate via RNA intermediates, often encoding their own reverse transcriptase.
  • These elements rely on host cellular machinery for proliferation but face cellular barriers.
  • This review focuses on target-primed (non-LTR) and extrachromosomally-primed (LTR) retrotransposons.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the interactions between various retrotransposons and their hosts.
  • To highlight recurring themes in retrotransposon biology, including their links to host RNA metabolism, DNA replication, repair, and cellular stress.
  • To examine host-cell defense mechanisms against retrotransposon proliferation.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative review of non-LTR retrotransposons (group II introns, LINEs, SINEs) and LTR retrotransposons (Ty, Tf).
  • Brief comparison with retroviruses.
  • Analysis of host-retrotransposon interactions and coevolutionary dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Retrotransposons engage with host RNA metabolism, DNA replication/repair, and stress responses.
  • Host organisms have evolved defense mechanisms against retrotransposon proliferation.
  • A dynamic interplay exists between retrotransposons and host cells, driving coevolution.

Conclusions:

  • The relationship between retrotransposons and hosts is characterized by a balance between retrotransposon proliferation and host survival.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for comprehending genome evolution and cellular defense strategies.
  • Recurring themes in retrotransposon biology and host responses are conserved across diverse life forms.