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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
15:28
Primer Extension Capture: Targeted Sequence Retrieval from Heavily Degraded DNA Sources
Published on: September 3, 2009
Mobile DNA and the TE-Thrust hypothesis: supporting evidence from the primates
Keith R Oliver1, Wayne K Greene
1School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth W, A, 6150, Australia. K.Oliver@murdoch.edu.au.
Mobile DNA
|June 2, 2011
Summary
Transposable elements (TEs) drive genome evolution by facilitating genetic changes. This genomic dynamism, termed TE-Thrust, enhances lineage adaptability and evolutionary potential, particularly in primates.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic sequences.
- TEs are increasingly recognized for their role in evolutionary processes.
- Genomic changes facilitated by TEs can impact lineage survival and reproduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose the TE-Thrust hypothesis.
- To explain how TEs engineer genetic changes (coding, regulatory, karyotypic).
- To review evidence supporting TE-Thrust, especially in primates.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of TEs and evolution.
- Analysis of genomic modifications in higher primates.
- Synthesis of evidence for the TE-Thrust hypothesis.
Main Results:
- TEs act as powerful facilitators of evolution.
- Genomic dynamism from TEs offers lineage benefits, including enhanced evolutionary potential.
- The TE-Thrust hypothesis is supported by numerous beneficial TE-caused modifications in primate genomes.
Conclusions:
- TEs significantly contribute to evolutionary innovation.
- Lineages with suitable TE repertoires show enhanced evolutionary potential and adaptive radiations.
- Environmental and ecological factors modulate the realization of TE-driven evolutionary potential.
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