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Characterization and expression pattern of ZB and PS transposons in zebrafish
Yali Wang1, Dan Shen1, Numan Ullah1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
Gene Expression Patterns : GEP
|September 4, 2021
Summary
Transposons ZB and PS are active in zebrafish, found in introns and intergenic regions. They play roles in embryonic development and are highly expressed in adult brain and muscle tissues.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Transposons, once dismissed as 'junk DNA', are now recognized for their crucial roles in eukaryotic genomes.
- These mobile genetic elements contribute to gene evolution, regulation, and genome rearrangement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distribution and structure of ZB and PS transposons in the zebrafish genome.
- To investigate the expression patterns of ZB and PS during zebrafish embryonic development and in adult tissues.
Main Methods:
- BLAST analysis on NCBI and ENSEMBL for intact ZB and PS copies.
- Structural analysis of transposon copies.
- Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) for expression analysis.
Main Results:
- Identified 19 intact ZB copies and 7 intact PS copies in the zebrafish genome, with specific structural features (catalytic domains, TIRs).
- ZB and PS transposons are predominantly located in intronic and intergenic regions.
- Both transposons show sense and antisense transcription during embryogenesis, with ZB exhibiting specific expression in the midbrain-hindbrain boundary, otic vesicle, and pharyngeal structures at 48 hours post-fertilization.
- Adult zebrafish show higher ZB and PS expression in muscle and brain tissues compared to other tissues.
Conclusions:
- ZB and PS transposons are actively transcribed and integrated into the zebrafish genome.
- Their expression patterns suggest a role in embryonic development and the regulation of specific adult somatic tissues, particularly brain and muscle.
