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The plastic genome: The impact of transposable elements on gene functionality and genomic structural variations
Marco Fambrini1, Gabriele Usai1, Alberto Vangelisti1
1Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Genesis (New York, N.Y. : 2000)
|November 24, 2020
Summary
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences impacting genome evolution and gene regulation. TE activity, often stress-induced, drives genetic variation and can be harnessed by hosts through molecular domestication.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences found in most genomes.
- TEs contribute to genome size, rearrangements, mutations, and gene activity modulation.
- TE mobilization is often triggered by environmental or genetic stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of transposable elements in genome evolution.
- To highlight the mechanisms of TE regulation and their impact on host genomes.
- To discuss the phenomenon of molecular domestication involving TEs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on transposable elements.
- Analysis of TE functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
- Examination of epigenetic silencing and regulatory control of TEs.
Main Results:
- TEs drive genome restructuring, mutations, and genetic variation, crucial for evolution and plant domestication.
- TE activity is linked to stress responses, polyploidy, and hybridization.
- Most TEs are epigenetically silenced, but hosts utilize TE-derived genes (molecular domestication).
Conclusions:
- Transposable elements are significant drivers of genomic innovation and evolution.
- TEs facilitate horizontal gene transfer and remixing of gene pools across species.
- Understanding TEs is key to comprehending genome dynamics and evolutionary processes.
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