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Related Concept Videos

LTR Retrotransposons03:08

LTR Retrotransposons

20.4K
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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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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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

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

20.5K
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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Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

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Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
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Transposons01:24

Transposons

2.8K
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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 26, 2026

Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

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How retrotransposons shape genome regulation.

Paolo Mita1, Jef D Boeke1

  • 1Institute for Systems Genetics, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Langone Medical Center, 430 East 29 Street, NY, NY 10016, USA.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|February 9, 2016
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Retrotransposons, mobile genetic elements, can be exapted for cellular functions. Host defenses and new tech reveal their roles in evolution, development, and disease.

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

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements capable of altering genomes.
  • Host organisms possess defense mechanisms against potentially harmful retrotransposon activity.
  • Despite defenses, retrotransposons have been exapted and domesticated for cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the complex relationship between retrotransposons and host genomes.
  • To understand the role of retrotransposons in gene regulatory network evolution.
  • To highlight recent findings on retrotransposon activity in development and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of host defense mechanisms against retrotransposons.
  • Investigation of retrotransposon exaptation and domestication processes.

Main Results:

  • Retrotransposons can be co-opted by host cells, influencing gene regulation.
  • Host mechanisms targeting transposon mobility also facilitate gene network expansion.
  • Retrotransposon activity is observed during crucial developmental processes like neurogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Retrotransposons play multifaceted roles beyond mere mutagenesis.
  • Their activity is integral to evolutionary processes and genome evolution.
  • Understanding retrotransposons is crucial for insights into development and human diseases.