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DNA-only Transposons

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...

Transposons

Transposons

Transposons, or "jumping genes," are small mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that range from 700 to 40,000 base pairs in length. They are found in all organisms and can move within the same chromosome or transfer to different chromosomes. In some cases, transposons can also jump between different host DNA molecules, such as plasmids or viruses, contributing to genetic variability.Barbara McClintock first discovered these mobile genetic elements in the 1940s while studying maize genetics, and she...

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

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...

LTR Retrotransposons

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Identification of Sleeping Beauty Transposon Insertions in Solid Tumors using Linker-mediated PCR

Identification of Sleeping Beauty Transposon Insertions in Solid Tumors using Linker-mediated PCR

Published on: February 1, 2013

The Sleeping Beauty transposon toolbox.

Ismahen Ammar¹, Zsuzsanna Izsvák, Zoltán Ivics

¹Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)

|February 28, 2012

Summary

The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system enables controlled gene transfer and stable genome integration in vertebrate cells. This technology facilitates diverse genetic engineering applications, including gene therapy and research.

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Genetics
Biotechnology

Background:

Class II transposable elements (DNA transposons) offer controllable mobility for genome manipulation.
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon is a key tool for gene transfer in vertebrate cells.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current state of SB transposon technology.
To highlight diverse genetic applications of SB transposons.
To detail available SB transposon and transposase vectors.

Main Methods:

Utilizing transposon-based vectors with terminal inverted repeats flanking a gene of interest.
Conditionally supplying transposase protein to drive transposition.
Integrating DNA molecules into the genome for stable expression.

More Related Videos

An Efficient In Vitro Transposition Method by a Transcriptionally Regulated Sleeping Beauty System Packaged into an Integration Defective Lentiviral Vector

An Efficient In Vitro Transposition Method by a Transcriptionally Regulated Sleeping Beauty System Packaged into an Integration Defective Lentiviral Vector

Published on: January 12, 2018

Electroporation-Based Genetic Modification of Primary Human Pigment Epithelial Cells Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System

Electroporation-Based Genetic Modification of Primary Human Pigment Epithelial Cells Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System

Published on: February 4, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 24, 2026

Identification of Sleeping Beauty Transposon Insertions in Solid Tumors using Linker-mediated PCR

Identification of Sleeping Beauty Transposon Insertions in Solid Tumors using Linker-mediated PCR

Published on: February 1, 2013

An Efficient In Vitro Transposition Method by a Transcriptionally Regulated Sleeping Beauty System Packaged into an Integration Defective Lentiviral Vector

An Efficient In Vitro Transposition Method by a Transcriptionally Regulated Sleeping Beauty System Packaged into an Integration Defective Lentiviral Vector

Published on: January 12, 2018

Electroporation-Based Genetic Modification of Primary Human Pigment Epithelial Cells Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System

Electroporation-Based Genetic Modification of Primary Human Pigment Epithelial Cells Using the Sleeping Beauty Transposon System

Published on: February 4, 2021

Main Results:

SB transposons facilitate efficient and regulated genome integration of various DNA payloads.
SB technology supports transgenesis, insertional mutagenesis, and somatic gene transfer (ex vivo and in vivo).
A range of SB transposon and transposase vectors are available for genetic engineering.

Conclusions:

SB transposon technology provides a powerful platform for genome manipulation in vertebrates.
This system offers versatile applications in basic research and therapeutic development.
The SB toolbox is expanding, enhancing its utility in genetic engineering.