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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity

Published on: January 20, 2023

Transposable elements: not as quiet as a mouse.

Rita Rebollo¹, Ying Zhang, Dixie L Mager

¹Terry Fox Laboratory, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

|June 22, 2012

Summary

Nellåker et al. demonstrate significant removal of harmful transposable element variants in 18 mouse strains via negative selection. This study highlights the power of natural selection in maintaining genome integrity.

Area of Science:

Genomics
Evolutionary Biology
Molecular Genetics

Background:

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic sequences that can cause mutations.
The accumulation of deleterious TE variants can impact genome stability and organismal health.
Understanding the mechanisms that control TE variant load is crucial for evolutionary and genetic studies.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of negative selection in purging deleterious transposable element variants.
To quantify the extent of TE variant purging across multiple mouse strains.
To assess the impact of selection on TE dynamics in mammalian genomes.

Main Methods:

Comparative genomics analysis of 18 diverse mouse strains.
Identification and characterization of transposable element variants.

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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

Published on: April 23, 2016

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Last Updated: May 21, 2026

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity

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Published on: January 20, 2023

Loss-of-Function Approach in the Embryonic Chick Retina by Using Tol2 Transposon-Mediated Transgenic Expression of Artificial microRNAs

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Published on: May 18, 2022

Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

Published on: April 23, 2016

Application of population genetics methods to infer selection pressures.

Bioinformatic analysis of whole-genome sequencing data.

Main Results:

Massive purging of deleterious transposable element variants was observed across all 18 mouse strains.
Evidence of strong negative selection acting against potentially harmful TE insertions and mutations.
The rate of purging varied among different types of transposable elements.
Significant reduction in the frequency of deleterious TE variants compared to neutral expectations.

Conclusions:

Negative selection plays a critical role in removing harmful transposable element variants, maintaining genome integrity.
The findings provide insights into the evolutionary forces shaping transposable element populations in mammals.
This study underscores the importance of selection in preventing the accumulation of potentially mutagenic genetic elements.