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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.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
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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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Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

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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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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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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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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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Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
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Lineage-specific evolution, structural diversity, and activity of R2 retrotransposons in animals.

Nozhat T Hassan1,2, Briana Van Treeck2, Anthony Rodríguez-Vargas2

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide University, Adelaide, Australia.

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R2 retrotransposons, mobile genetic elements, were found across diverse animal groups, revealing varied structures that maintain precise DNA insertion. This expands their evolutionary understanding and potential for gene therapy applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Retrotransposons are key players in genome evolution, gene regulation, and disease.
  • R2 retrotransposons specifically target 28S ribosomal RNA genes across eukaryotes.
  • Previous studies on R2 retrotransposon distribution were limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To expand the known distribution of R2 retrotransposons in underrepresented taxa.
  • To characterize R2 retrotransposon domain architectures and identify new candidates for genome engineering.
  • To understand the evolutionary relationships and functional features of R2 retrotransposons.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analyses of R2 retrotransposon sequences.
  • Identification and characterization of R2 domain architectures and motifs.
  • Functional assays of recombinant R2 proteins for target-primed reverse transcription.

Main Results:

  • R2 retrotransposons were found in diverse groups including ctenophores, amphibians, and reptiles.
  • Diverse R2 domain architectures and motifs were identified, with many avian candidates for genome engineering.
  • Phylogenetic analyses revealed two major R2 lineages with distinct N-terminal DNA recognition and reverse-transcriptase domains.
  • Recombinant R2 proteins demonstrated conserved site-specific target-primed reverse transcription.

Conclusions:

  • Varied R2 domain architectures support conserved target-site specificity, informing new classification criteria.
  • Expanded understanding of R2 evolution provides a foundation for structure/function insights.
  • This research informs the engineering of therapeutic gene insertion technologies and retrotransposon conservation studies.