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Related Experiment Videos

Reverse transcriptase: mediator of genomic plasticity

J Brosius1, H Tiedge

  • 1Institute for Experimental Pathology, ZMBE University of Münster, Germany. RNA.world@uni-muenster.de

Virus Genes
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary
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Reverse transcriptase drives evolution by creating new genes and regulatory elements through retroposition. This ancient process, dating back billions of years, continues to shape genomes and influence speciation.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Reverse transcription is a fundamental biological process with ancient origins, dating back over three billion years.
  • The enzyme reverse transcriptase plays a crucial role in genomic change, influencing evolution through various mechanisms.
  • While its complete cellular functions are still under investigation, reverse transcriptase activity is recognized as a significant driver of genomic alteration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of reverse transcriptase in generating genomic diversity.
  • To highlight the contribution of retroelements, such as short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs), to evolutionary innovation.
  • To underscore the significance of retroposition as a mechanism driving speciation and evolutionary concepts like exaptation.

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Main Methods:

  • Analysis of retrotransposition events mediated by reverse transcriptase.
  • Identification and characterization of retrogenes derived from messenger RNAs.
  • Investigation of the genomic impact of non-messenger RNA copies, including SINEs and retroelements (e.g., LTRs).

Main Results:

  • Reverse transcriptase generates retrogenes from mature messenger RNAs, which can acquire new regulatory functions.
  • It also produces numerous copies of non-messenger RNAs, forming short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs).
  • Retrosequences contribute regulatory elements for nucleosome positioning, DNA methylation, transcription, RNA stability, and protein domains, significantly impacting gene regulation and evolution.

Conclusions:

  • Reverse transcription is a major evolutionary force, contributing to gene duplication, novel gene formation, and regulatory innovation.
  • Short interspersed repetitive elements (SINEs) and other retrosequences are not merely 'selfish DNA' but active participants in shaping host genomes and facilitating adaptation.
  • Retroposition is a key mechanism underlying evolutionary concepts such as exaptation and punctuated equilibrium, highlighting its role as a pacemaker for evolution and speciation.