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Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
Published on: January 20, 2023
Promiscuous DNA: horizontal transfer of transposable elements and why it matters for eukaryotic evolution
Sarah Schaack1, Clément Gilbert, Cédric Feschotte
1Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|July 2, 2010
Summary
Horizontal gene transfer, the movement of genetic material between genomes, is rare in multicellular eukaryotes but crucial for transposable element evolution. This process drives genomic variation and biological innovation in eukaryotes.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a key evolutionary mechanism in prokaryotes.
- HGT is infrequently documented in multicellular eukaryotes, with most cases involving transposable elements (TEs).
- Over 200 documented cases of HGT involving TEs now allow for assessment of its evolutionary impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review criteria for detecting HGT in eukaryotes.
- To examine recent examples of HGT involving TEs.
- To elucidate the mechanistic underpinnings of HGT, including host-parasite interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of documented HGT cases in eukaryotes.
- Analysis of criteria for identifying HGT events.
- Examination of mechanistic factors, such as host-parasite interactions.
Main Results:
- Established criteria for detecting HGT in eukaryotic genomes.
- Presented recent examples illustrating HGT of TEs.
- Highlighted the role of host-parasite interactions in facilitating HGT.
Conclusions:
- HGT of TEs is a significant evolutionary force in eukaryotes.
- TEs introduced via HGT contribute to genomic variation.
- HGT of TEs fuels biological innovation in eukaryotic genomes.
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