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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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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.
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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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PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...
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Screening and Identification of RNA Silencing Suppressors from Secreted Effectors of Plant Pathogens
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Silencing of active transposable elements in plants.

Dalen Fultz1, Sarah G Choudury1, R Keith Slotkin2

  • 1Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, United States.

Current Opinion in Plant Biology
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Summary

Plant genomes silence most transposable elements (TEs) epigenetically. This review explores new models for how TEs are initially targeted for silencing, differing from established maintenance pathways.

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics
  • Plant Biology

Background:

  • Transposable elements (TEs) are silenced in plant genomes via epigenetic mechanisms.
  • Maintenance of TE silencing is understood, but initial targeting pathways are distinct and less studied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current models for initiating and establishing transposable element (TE) silencing in plants.
  • To discuss supporting data and identify key future research questions in TE silencing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on TE silencing initiation.
  • Analysis and comparison of different models for TE targeting.

Main Results:

  • Distinction between TE silencing establishment and maintenance pathways is highlighted.
  • Several models for TE triggering are presented and evaluated.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the initial targeting of TEs is crucial for comprehending genome stability.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms of TE silencing initiation.