Molecular and cytological analysis of a mariner transposon from Hessian fly

Degenerate PCR primers for conserved regions of the mariner transposase have been shown to amplify DNA sequences from the Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor). Using one of these sequences as a hybridization probe, a clone from an M. destructor genomic library in phage lambda was recovered and sequenced. A transposable element, Desmar 1, with perfect inverted terminal repeats and an open reading frame that encodes a mariner class transposase was found. When compared to mariner sequences in the gene database, the transposase proved to be similar to that of the active mariner Mos 1 from the fruit fly (Drosophila mauritiana). In situ hybridization of the transposon DNA sequence to salivary gland polytene chromosomes revealed the general cytological locations of mariner elements. The distribution of sequences with homology to the probe was predominantly, but not exclusively, n paracentromeric regions.