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Related Concept Videos

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.
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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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Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

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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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Transposons01:24

Transposons

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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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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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piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

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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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Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Transposon Mediated Integration of Plasmid DNA into the Subventricular Zone of Neonatal Mice to Generate Novel Models of Glioblastoma
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Somatizing the transposons action.

Elgion L S Loreto1, Camila Moura Pereira2

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.

Mobile Genetic Elements
|June 6, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Somatic mobilization of transposable elements (TEs) is more frequent than expected. Its biological impact depends on genome landscape, TE control mechanisms, and organismal germline-soma separation, influencing plasticity, disease, aging, or genetic variability.

Keywords:
genetic mosaicismsomatic mobilizationsomatic transpositiontransposable elements

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic sequences within genomes.
  • Somatic mobilization of TEs, or transposition in non-germline cells, is increasingly recognized as a significant biological phenomenon.
  • The extent and consequences of somatic TE mobilization are influenced by genomic context and regulatory mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and biological significance of somatic transposable element mobilization.
  • To explore the factors influencing the intensity and consequences of somatic transposition.
  • To examine how germline-soma separation affects the role of somatic mobilization in different organisms.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on transposable element dynamics in somatic cells.
  • Analysis of genomic and epigenomic factors influencing TE activity.
  • Comparative analysis across different organisms with varying germline-soma separation.

Main Results:

  • Somatic mobilization of TEs is more common than previously assumed.
  • The impact of somatic transposition is contingent upon the specific transposable element landscape of a genome and the "momentum" of individual TEs.
  • Biological consequences, including phenotypic plasticity, disease, aging, and genetic variability, differ based on the organism's germline-soma separation.
  • In organisms with distinct germline and somatic lineages, somatic transposition can contribute to aging and disease.
  • In organisms lacking this separation, somatic mobilization serves as a source of genetic variation.

Conclusions:

  • Somatic transposable element mobilization is a widespread phenomenon with diverse biological outcomes.
  • Understanding TE landscapes and regulatory control is crucial for predicting the consequences of somatic transposition.
  • The evolutionary and biological roles of somatic TE mobilization are shaped by the fundamental organization of an organism's reproductive and somatic lineages.