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The transposable element mariner can excise in non-drosophilid insects
C J Coates1, C L Turney, M Frommer
1Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Division of Entomology, Canberra, Australia.
Molecular & General Genetics : MGG
|November 15, 1995
Summary
Mariner transposon excision assays in non-drosophilid insects yield identical empty sites, suggesting a conserved mechanism. These findings offer a new tool for studying transposon function and repair in diverse insect species.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Transposable elements (TEs) like mariner are mobile genetic sequences.
- Understanding mariner TE function across species is crucial for genetics and evolution.
- Previous studies focused mainly on drosophilid species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the functionality of the mariner transposable element in non-drosophilid insects.
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of mariner excision and repair.
- To develop novel assays for studying mariner-like elements in diverse insect species.
Main Methods:
- Plasmid-based excision assays were conducted in embryos of two non-drosophilid species.
- The mariner transposable element from Drosophila mauritiana was utilized.
- Excision products were analyzed using DNA sequencing, with and without a heat shock promoter-Mos1 construct.
Main Results:
- Identical empty excision sites were observed in non-drosophilid species, mirroring those in D. mauritiana.
- Excision products were recovered from Drosophila melanogaster, D. mauritiana, Lucilia cuprina, and Bactrocera tryoni.
- Sequence analysis suggested heteroduplex formation at excision breakpoints during repair.
Conclusions:
- Mariner transposon excision and repair mechanisms appear conserved across diverse insect species.
- The developed assays are valuable for assessing mariner functionality in non-drosophilids.
- This research provides insights into the fundamental processes of mariner transposition and repair.