Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
Published on: January 20, 2023
A virophage at the origin of large DNA transposons
Matthias G Fischer1, Curtis A Suttle
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 1365-2350 Health Sciences Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Abstract:
DNA transposons are mobile genetic elements that have shaped the genomes of eukaryotes for millions of years, yet their origins remain obscure. We discovered a virophage that, on the basis of genetic homology, likely represents an evolutionary link between double-stranded DNA viruses and Maverick/Polinton eukaryotic DNA transposons. The Mavirus virophage parasitizes the giant Cafeteria roenbergensis virus and encodes 20 predicted proteins, including a retroviral integrase and a protein-primed DNA polymerase B. On the basis of our data, we conclude that Maverick/Polinton transposons may have originated from ancient relatives of Mavirus, and thereby influenced the evolution of eukaryotic genomes, although we cannot rule out alternative evolutionary scenarios.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
DNA-only Transposons
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
Transposons
LTR Retrotransposons
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
Overview of Transposition and Recombination
Retroviruses
Non-LTR Retrotransposons

