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Sex and the TEs: transposable elements in sexual development and function in animals
Corentin Dechaud1, Jean-Nicolas Volff1, Manfred Schartl2,3
11Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Univ Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 46 allee d'Italie, F-69364 Lyon, France.
Mobile DNA
|November 9, 2019
Summary
Transposable elements drive genetic innovation and evolution by influencing gene expression and creating new genes. Their link to reproduction means they are crucial in the evolution of sexual reproduction in animals.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that can alter host genomes.
- TEs contribute to genetic innovation by rearranging DNA and spreading regulatory sequences.
- TEs are intrinsically linked to reproduction due to their vertical transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functional and evolutionary relationships between TEs and sexual reproduction in animals.
- To highlight how TEs influence sexual development gene expression.
- To examine the reciprocal control of TEs within gonads.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of functional and evolutionary studies.
- Analysis of TE impact on gene expression and genome organization.
- Examination of TE co-evolution with host reproductive functions.
Main Results:
- TEs significantly influence the expression of sexual development genes.
- TEs are subject to tight regulatory control within gonads.
- TEs contribute to the evolution of sex chromosomes and sexual development.
Conclusions:
- TEs and sexual reproduction exhibit intricate co-evolutionary dynamics.
- TEs can transition from parasitic entities to domesticated elements beneficial to the host.
- Understanding TE-host interactions is key to comprehending genome evolution and sexual reproduction.
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