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Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
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Transposable element persistence via potential genome-level ecosystem engineering
Stefan C Kremer1, Stefan Linquist2, Brent Saylor3
1School of Computer Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada. skremer@uoguelph.ca.
BMC Genomics
|May 21, 2020
Summary
Transposable elements (TEs) can accumulate in eukaryotic genomes. In simulations, TEs co-existed with hosts by creating inactive copies, balancing replication and maintaining stable genome density.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Ecology
Background:
- Eukaryotic genome size varies greatly, largely due to transposable elements (TEs).
- Factors influencing TE accumulation are poorly understood, with prior research focusing on host-level evolution.
- This study investigates TE ecology and within-host cellular mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that intracellular ecological mechanisms influence transposable element accumulation.
- To explore the conditions under which transposable elements and host genomes can co-exist.
Main Methods:
- A simulated asexual transposable element (TE)/host system was used.
- Experiments tracked TE accumulation rates within host genomes under varying conditions.
- The net effect of TEs on host fitness was monitored.
Main Results:
- TEs generally led to host extinction or were purged.
- In some cases, TEs and hosts co-existed, with TEs accumulating to high numbers.
- Co-existence occurred when TEs achieved stable genomic density, balancing active replication with inactive copy production.
Conclusions:
- TEs can persist by creating their own genomic "habitat" through ecosystem engineering.
- Intracellular TE ecology offers an alternative explanation for TE accumulation patterns.
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