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A phylogenetic perspective on P transposable element evolution in Drosophila
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
Summary
The P element, a transposable element in Drosophila, shows evidence of horizontal transfer between species. This horizontal transfer, alongside vertical transmission, likely shapes P element evolution in natural populations.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Genetics
- Molecular biology
Background:
- The P element is a well-studied eukaryotic transposable element found in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Understanding the evolutionary dynamics of the P element family is crucial for comprehending genome evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an extensive phylogenetic analysis of P element sequences to understand their evolutionary dynamics.
- To examine the P element phylogeny in the context of the host species phylogeny.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of 239 partial P element sequences from 40 species within the Drosophila subgenus Sophophora.
- Comparison of P element phylogeny with the phylogeny of the host species.
Main Results:
- Coexistence of divergent P element subfamilies within the same genome was observed in many species.
- While vertical transmission is the general mode, four clear instances of horizontal transfer between species were identified.
- The P element phylogeny is frequently best explained by horizontal transfer events throughout evolutionary history.
Conclusions:
- Horizontal transfer plays a significant role in the evolution and maintenance of P elements in natural Drosophila populations.
- The interplay between vertical and horizontal transfer shapes the evolutionary trajectory of transposable elements.