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Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Real-Time Quantification of the Effects of IS200/IS605 Family-Associated TnpB on Transposon Activity
Published on: January 20, 2023
Evolutionary dynamics between transposable elements and their host genomes: mechanisms of suppression and escape
Matthew A Lawlor1, Christopher E Ellison1
1Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
Abstract:
Transposable elements (TEs) are ubiquitous among eukaryotic species. Their evolutionary persistence is likely due to a combination of tolerogenic, evasive/antagonistic, and cooperative interactions with their host genomes. Here, we focus on metazoan species and review recent advances related to the harmful effects of TE insertions, including how epigenetic effects and TE-derived RNAs can damage host cells. We discuss new findings related to host pathways that silence TEs, such as the piRNA pathway and the APOBEC3 and Kruppel-associated box zinc finger gene families. Finally, we summarize novel strategies used by TEs to evade host silencing, including the Y chromosome as a permissive niche for TE mobilization and TE counterdefense strategies to block host silencing factors.
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