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Related Concept Videos

Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

Non-LTR Retrotransposons

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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...
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LTR Retrotransposons03:08

LTR Retrotransposons

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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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DNA-only Transposons02:57

DNA-only Transposons

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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...
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Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

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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...
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Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming01:24

Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming

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Nuclear reprogramming is a process of transforming one cell type into an unrelated cell type by epigenetic changes that alter the cell’s original gene expression pattern. Such epigenetic changes force cells to express a different set of genes, which play a significant role in inducing transformation into other cell types. Nuclear reprogramming offers applications in reproductive cloning for livestock propagation and regenerative medicine — developing patient-specific cells for...
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Embryonic Stem Cells00:58

Embryonic Stem Cells

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Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.
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Retroviral Infection of Murine Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Embryoid Body Cells for Analysis of Hematopoietic Differentiation
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Retrotransposons shape species-specific embryonic stem cell gene expression.

Luisa Robbez-Masson1, Helen M Rowe2

  • 1Division of Infection and Immunity, Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, University College London, 90 Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. l.robbez-masson@ucl.ac.uk.

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Retrotransposons, mobile genetic elements, influence gene expression in stem cells by activating pluripotency genes or repressing nearby genes. This balance is crucial for evolution and genome stability.

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Structure-function Studies in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Using Recombinase-mediated Cassette Exchange
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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Over half of the human genome consists of retrotransposons, including endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1).
  • These mobile elements, though mostly inactive, possess regulatory sequences impacting cellular genes.
  • Their precise functions in stem cells, particularly embryonic stem cells (ESCs), are increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of retrotransposons in ESC gene regulation.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which retrotransposons activate or repress gene expression.
  • To highlight the evolutionary significance and potential disease implications of retrotransposon activity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent publications on retrotransposon function in ESCs.
  • Analysis of how transcription factors (TFs) interact with retrotransposon sequences.
  • Focus on specific retrotransposon families like HERV-H, LINE-1, and SVA.

Main Results:

  • Retrotransposons shape species-specific gene expression in stem cells through TF recruitment.
  • They can activate genes linked to naïve pluripotency (e.g., HERV-H in human ESCs).
  • They can also repress proximal genes, mediated by specific retrotransposon families (e.g., LINE-1, SVA, ERVs).

Conclusions:

  • Retrotransposon activity in ESCs is regulated by a delicate balance of activation and repression.
  • This balance allows harnessing retrotransposons for evolutionary benefit while maintaining genome integrity.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is key to appreciating their role in development and disease.