The Dynamic Interplay Between Ribosomal DNA and Transposable Elements: A Perspective From Genomics and Cytogenetics.

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Ribosomal DNAs (rDNAs) are housekeeping genes essential for genome function.
• Transposable elements (TEs) are often viewed as disruptive selfish genetic elements.
• rDNAs and TEs exhibit contrasting organizational, evolutionary, and stability-associated characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the often-overlooked shared characteristics and interactions between ribosomal DNAs and transposable elements.
• To provide an overview of the structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects of rDNAs and TEs.
• To highlight future research directions in understanding their associations.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing literature on ribosomal DNA and transposable element interactions.
• Comparative analysis of structural, functional, and evolutionary attributes.
• Examination of epigenetic modifications and genomic roles.

Main Results:

• Despite apparent differences, rDNAs and TEs share four key hallmarks: repetitive nature shaping genomes, motif exchange and co-evolution, roles as genomic stress sensors in aging, and common epigenetic marks (DNA methylation, histone modification).
• These shared features suggest a more integrated role in genome dynamics than previously recognized.

Conclusions:

• Ribosomal DNA and transposable element interactions are crucial for understanding genome evolution and stability.
• Their shared roles as stress sensors and epigenetic regulators warrant further investigation.
• Future research should focus on the functional implications of these associations in various biological contexts.