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Related Concept Videos

DNA-only Transposons02:57

DNA-only Transposons

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DNA-only transposons are called autonomous transposons since they code for the enzyme transposase that is required for the transposition mechanism. Insertion of transposons can alter gene functions in multiple ways. They can mutate the gene, alter gene expression by introducing a novel promoter or insulator sequence, introduce new splice sites, and change the mRNA transcripts produced, or remodel chromatin structure.
The donor site from where the transposon is excised is either degraded or...
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Transposons01:24

Transposons

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Transposons, or "jumping genes," are small mobile genetic elements (MGEs) that range from 700 to 40,000 base pairs in length. They are found in all organisms and can move within the same chromosome or transfer to different chromosomes. In some cases, transposons can also jump between different host DNA molecules, such as plasmids or viruses, contributing to genetic variability.Barbara McClintock first discovered these mobile genetic elements in the 1940s while studying maize genetics, and she...
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Non-LTR Retrotransposons03:18

Non-LTR Retrotransposons

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As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
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LTR Retrotransposons03:08

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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.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
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Overview of Transposition and Recombination02:13

Overview of Transposition and Recombination

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Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...
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piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs02:57

piRNA - Piwi-interacting RNAs

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PIWI-interacting RNAs, or piRNAs, are the most abundant short non-coding RNAs. More than 20,000 genes have been found in humans that code for piRNAs while only 2000 genes have been found for miRNAs. piRNAs can act at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and have a vital role in silencing transposable elements present in germ cells. They are also involved in epigenetic silencing and activation. Previously, they were thought to function only in germ cells but new evidence suggests...
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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level

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Transposon persistence and control in germ cells.

Lauren Tracy1, Zhao Zhang1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development
|June 24, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Transposons, or jumping genes, are regulated by the Piwi-interacting RNA pathway in germ cells. This review explores how this pathway balances genome stability with evolutionary innovation driven by transposon activity.

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Transposon Mediated Integration of Plasmid DNA into the Subventricular Zone of Neonatal Mice to Generate Novel Models of Glioblastoma
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The Production of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Amniotic Fluid Cells Using a Transposon System
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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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The Production of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Amniotic Fluid Cells Using a Transposon System
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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Transposons ('jumping genes') are mobile genetic elements impacting genome integrity and evolution.
  • Their activity in germ cells is crucial for inheritance but risks DNA damage and reduced fitness.
  • Transposons balance self-propagation with host survival, necessitating regulatory mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding transposon regulation in germ cells.
  • To explore the role of the Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway in transposon repression.
  • To highlight mechanisms by which transposons evade host defenses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research on transposon-host interactions.
  • Focus on small RNA pathways, specifically the piRNA pathway.
  • Analysis of evolutionary strategies employed by transposons and their hosts.

Main Results:

  • The piRNA pathway is a key mechanism for repressing transposon activity in germ cells.
  • Limited transposon activity can drive evolutionary innovation and genetic diversity.
  • Transposons have evolved sophisticated strategies to bypass or counteract regulatory pathways.

Conclusions:

  • The interplay between transposons and the piRNA pathway is critical for maintaining genome stability and evolutionary potential.
  • Understanding transposon regulation offers insights into genome evolution and preservation.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the dynamic balance between host defense and transposon propagation.