Post-transcriptional and translational regulation of plant gene expression by transposons

Transposons are mobile DNA sequences that can move within the genome and integrate in new genomic locations. They are widespread in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and can influence gene expression when landing within or nearby a gene. Although transposon-induced regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional level has been extensively studied, there has been less focus on regulation at the post-transcriptional and translational levels. Recent studies in maize (Zea mays) and other plant species suggest that transposon insertions can affect RNA processing, RNA stability, protein translation and protein stability. We will describe the diverse mechanisms by which transposons can influence gene expression at the post-transcriptional and translational levels, and discuss the interactions between these mechanisms.