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Related Concept Videos

Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

Non-LTR Retrotransposons

As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

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...
Transposons01:24

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...
DNA-only Transposons02:57

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...
LTR Retrotransposons03:08

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...
Exon Recombination02:32

Exon Recombination

The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...

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Protein Transfection of Mouse Lung
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Protein Transfection of Mouse Lung

Published on: May 15, 2013

Transposable elements and their potential role in complex lung disorder.

Muralidharan Sargurupremraj1, Matthias Wjst

  • 1Molecular genetics of lung diseases group, Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Institute of Lung Biology and Disease (ILBD), Helmholtz Zentrum München, GmbH, Ingolstadter, Landstrasse 1, D-85764, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany. murali.sarguru@helmholtz-muenchen.de.

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|October 8, 2013
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Transposable elements (TEs), including active long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), may contribute to complex diseases like COPD by causing genome instability. Oxidative stress might epigenetically activate TEs, leading to molecular damage and disease pathogenesis.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Transposable elements (TEs), comprising ~45% of the genome, were historically dismissed as "junk DNA."
  • Active TEs, particularly long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), can translocate within the genome, potentially causing DNA damage.
  • While ~65 disease-causing LINE insertions are known, their role in complex disorders like COPD is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential role of oxidative stress in the epigenetic activation of TEs, specifically LINEs.
  • To investigate the subsequent cascade of molecular damage resulting from TE activation.
  • To highlight the need for further research into the relationship between mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and complex diseases such as COPD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on TEs, LINEs, oxidative stress, and COPD.
  • Discussion of recent advancements in sequencing and computational methods for identifying mobile elements.
  • Proposal for comparative studies on TE activity and genome instability markers.

Main Results:

  • Oxidative stress is implicated as a key factor in COPD pathogenesis.
  • Epigenetic activation of TEs by oxidative stress could lead to genome lesions and molecular damage.
  • TEs may act as epigenetic modifiers, contributing to complex disease development.

Conclusions:

  • Oxidative stress may epigenetically activate TEs, contributing to molecular damage and potentially complex diseases like COPD.
  • Further research, including comparative studies of TE activity and genome instability, is needed to elucidate the role of MGEs in complex disorders.