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Related Concept Videos

LTR Retrotransposons03:08

LTR Retrotransposons

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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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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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RNA polymerase (RNAP) carries out DNA-dependent RNA synthesis in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Bacteria do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. So, transcription and translation occur simultaneously, on the same DNA template.
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Bacteria and archaea are susceptible to viral infections just like eukaryotes; therefore, they have developed a unique adaptive immune system to protect themselves. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) are present in more than 45% of known bacteria and 90% of known archaea.
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The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
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Phage-triggered reverse transcription assembles a toxic repetitive gene from a noncoding RNA.

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Prokaryotic defense systems use reverse transcription to fight viruses. This study reveals how a reverse transcriptase creates toxic proteins from RNA, offering a new understanding of prokaryotic genetic regulation and antiviral defense.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Reverse transcription is known in eukaryotes but its role in prokaryotic defense is unclear.
  • Prokaryotic defense mechanisms against viral infection are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism of the DRT2 defense system in prokaryotes.
  • To understand how reverse transcription contributes to antiviral defense in bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Biochemical reconstitution of the DRT2 system.
  • Cryo-electron microscopy for structural analysis.
  • Studying the interaction between reverse transcriptase and noncoding RNA.

Main Results:

  • The DRT2 reverse transcriptase binds to a pseudoknotted noncoding RNA.
  • Bacteriophage infection triggers reverse transcription of an RNA template into tandem repeats.
  • These repeats form a promoter and open reading frame, expressing a toxic repetitive protein inducing abortive infection.

Conclusions:

  • Gene synthesis from noncoding RNA is a novel prokaryotic genetic regulatory mechanism.
  • This study provides a molecular basis for repeat synthesis in prokaryotic antiviral defense.
  • The DRT2 system represents a unique strategy for combating bacteriophage infections.