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Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

16.8K
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

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...
15.1K
Transposons01:24

Transposons

397
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...
397
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

18.3K
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...
18.3K
Exon Recombination02:32

Exon Recombination

3.8K
The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon...
3.8K

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
04:04

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity

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Transposable elements shape the evolution of mammalian development.

Anna D Senft1, Todd S Macfarlan2

  • 1The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. anna.senft@nih.gov.

Nature Reviews. Genetics
|August 6, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Transposable elements (TEs) drive genetic innovation and shape mammalian development, especially placental evolution. Host defenses and co-evolving proteins (KRAB-ZFPs) manage TE activity, influencing genome stability and evolution.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic sequences that can cause mutations and genome instability.
  • Mammalian genomes possess sophisticated defense mechanisms to suppress TE activity.
  • TEs have played a significant role in shaping mammalian evolution and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of transposable elements in promoting genetic innovation and maintaining genome stability in mammals.
  • To explore how TEs influence mammalian-specific developmental processes, including early development and the maternal-fetal interface.
  • To discuss the indirect impact of TEs through co-evolving host defense factors like KRAB-ZFPs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on transposable elements in mammalian genomes.
  • Analysis of evolutionary dynamics of TEs and their interaction with host defense mechanisms.
  • Examination of the role of TEs in key mammalian developmental events.

Main Results:

  • TEs provide raw material for genetic change, contributing to innovation.
  • TEs are actively involved in mammalian development, particularly in placental evolution.
  • Co-evolution with TE-binding Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs) is a key regulatory mechanism.
  • Ancient TEs were co-opted for invasive placentation, while young TEs continue to influence development.

Conclusions:

  • Transposable elements are critical drivers of mammalian genetic innovation and developmental evolution.
  • Host defense systems, including KRAB-ZFPs, co-evolve with TEs to balance genome stability and genetic change.
  • Understanding TE dynamics is essential for comprehending mammalian-specific traits and evolutionary trajectories.