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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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Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
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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.
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Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
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Transposons01:24

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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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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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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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The coevolution between APOBEC3 and retrotransposons in primates.

Giorgia Modenini1, Paolo Abondio1,2, Alessio Boattini3

  • 1Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Mobile DNA
|November 29, 2022
PubMed
Summary

The APOBEC3 gene family in primates evolved alongside retroelements, acting as a defense mechanism against these mobile genetic elements. This evolutionary arms race may influence human development and diseases.

Keywords:
APOBEC3Brain diseasesEmbryonic developmentEvolutionary arms raceHomoPrimatesRetrotransposons

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that can cause mutations and are linked to diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.
  • Host genomes have developed defense mechanisms against pathogens, including endogenous retroelements.
  • The APOBEC3 (Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3) family of mutators represents a key defense strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolutionary relationship between the APOBEC3 gene family and retrotransposons in Primates.
  • To highlight the evolutionary arms race between APOBEC3s and endogenous retroelements.
  • To assess the role of this relationship in embryonic development and brain-associated diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative genomics analysis of APOBEC3 and retrotransposon evolution in Primates.
  • Literature review of studies on APOBEC3 function, retrotransposon activity, and their roles in disease and development.

Main Results:

  • The APOBEC3 gene family in Primates expanded in correlation with the expansion of ERV and LINE-1 retrotransposon families.
  • APOBEC3 proteins inhibit retrotransposon mobilization and viral activity.
  • A significant evolutionary arms race exists between APOBEC3s and endogenous retroelements in Primates.

Conclusions:

  • The co-evolution of APOBEC3s and retrotransposons is a critical aspect of primate genome evolution.
  • This dynamic interplay may have implications for the development of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.