TEMM: A Curated Data Resource for Transposon Element-Based Molecular Markers in Plants

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics and genomics
• Molecular biology
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Transposon elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that can alter plant genomes.
• TE-based molecular markers (TE-markers) are increasingly utilized in plant breeding for genetic diversity analysis.
• TE-markers are categorized into retrotransposon-based (e.g., RBIP, IRAP, REMAP, iPBS) and DNA-based (e.g., MITE, TE-junction, CACTA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To present TEMM, a curated data resource for plant TE-markers.
• To compile primer sequences and associated information from relevant research articles.
• To provide a valuable tool for plant genetics and breeding research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic screening of research articles for primer sequences of TE-markers.
• Collection and curation of primer sequences, PCR reaction programs, and crop applications.
• Database construction and public accessibility of the curated TE-marker information.

Main Results:

• The TEMM database contains 784 curated primers for various TE-markers.
• Specific primer counts include 203 iPBS, 191 RBIP, 140 IRAP, 78 TE-junction, and others.
• The resource includes PCR reaction programs and applications across diverse crops.

Conclusions:

• TE-markers are essential tools for studying plant genetic diversity, evolution, and breeding.
• The TEMM database provides a centralized, accessible resource for plant breeders and researchers.
• This resource facilitates the improvement of agronomic traits and the development of new crop varieties.