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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

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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 Transposons02:57

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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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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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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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Cis-regulatory Sequences02:02

Cis-regulatory Sequences

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Cis-regulatory sequences are short fragments of non-coding DNA that are present on the same chromosomes as the genes that they regulate. These fragments serve as binding sites for transcriptional regulators, proteins that are responsible for controlling gene transcription and differential gene expression across cell types in eukaryotes. Cis-regulatory sequences can be close to the gene of interest or thousands of bases away in the DNA sequence; however, those sequences that are further away are...
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Cis-regulatory Sequences02:02

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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Crossroads between transposons and gene regulation.

Miguel R Branco1, Edward B Chuong2

  • 1Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK.

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Mobile genetic elements called transposons significantly impact genome evolution. Their coevolution with hosts has led to crucial roles in regulating gene expression, despite challenges in studying them.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Transposons, or mobile genetic elements, have historically acted as 'selfish' entities, replicating within host genomes.
  • Their evolutionary journey has led to significant contributions to species-specific genome evolution.
  • A diverse array of transposons has infiltrated genomes throughout evolutionary history.

Discussion:

  • Transposons serve as a rich source of regulatory elements, including promoters, enhancers, and non-coding RNAs.
  • Host defense mechanisms, originally evolved against transposons, have been repurposed for gene regulation.
  • The complex evolutionary history and repetitive nature of transposons present challenges in functional analysis.

Key Insights:

  • Transposon-host coevolution has created intricate links between mobile elements and gene expression regulation.
  • Transposons contribute regulatory elements that influence gene expression.
  • Repurposed host defense mechanisms highlight the dynamic interplay between transposons and cellular functions.

Outlook:

  • Future research requires specialized analytical tools to overcome the challenges posed by transposon study.
  • Continued investigation into transposon roles is essential for understanding genome evolution and gene regulation.
  • This collection of articles outlines current paradigms and future research directions in the field.