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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.
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

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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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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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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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Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming01:24

Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming

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Nuclear reprogramming is a process of transforming one cell type into an unrelated cell type by epigenetic changes that alter the cell’s original gene expression pattern. Such epigenetic changes force cells to express a different set of genes, which play a significant role in inducing transformation into other cell types. Nuclear reprogramming offers applications in reproductive cloning for livestock propagation and regenerative medicine — developing patient-specific cells for...
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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Transposon Mediated Integration of Plasmid DNA into the Subventricular Zone of Neonatal Mice to Generate Novel Models of Glioblastoma
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On transposons and totipotency.

Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla1,2

  • 1Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES), Helmholtz Zentrum München, 81377 München, Germany.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|February 21, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Repetitive DNA, once called "junk," plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and evolution. Transposons, like endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), are key drivers of totipotency and epigenetic reprogramming in mammals.

Keywords:
2-cell-like cellsLINE-1MERVLpluripotencyreprogrammingtransposable elements

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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • The function of non-coding DNA, particularly repetitive elements like transposons, is increasingly understood beyond the 'selfish DNA' hypothesis.
  • Transposons, including long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE-1s) and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), are now recognized for their regulatory roles in host genomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss and interpret current knowledge on the role of transposons in regulating mammalian totipotency.
  • To highlight the significance of transposon-mediated gene regulation during epigenetic reprogramming.

Main Methods:

  • Review and interpretation of existing scientific literature on transposons and gene regulation.
  • Focus on specific elements like murine endogenous retrovirus with leucine tRNA primer (MERVL) and human ERVL (HERVL).

Main Results:

  • Transposons can be co-opted by host organisms, suggesting altruistic functions.
  • Numerous examples demonstrate transposons regulating host genome output and driving evolution.
  • MERVL/HERVL elements are identified as key drivers in mammalian totipotency and epigenetic reprogramming.

Conclusions:

  • Transposons are not merely 'junk DNA' but are integral to genome regulation and evolution.
  • Endogenous retroviruses and LINE-1s play critical roles in establishing and maintaining totipotency.
  • Understanding transposon function provides insights into developmental processes and evolutionary mechanisms.