Transposons unbound
Article Abstract:
New research into DNA methylation, a change in cytosine residues that prompts transcription silencing of targeted DNA sequences, has provided an illustration of the impact of lifting the methylation-induced protection against transportable elements. It has been established that a distribution of invading elements can be caused by targeting of specific chromosomal regions, instead of long-term selection on a population of randomly distributed elements. This research gives an insight into the great potential of transposable elements for mediating fast and extensive changes in genome composition and architecture.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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The mariner transposable element is widespread in insects
Article Abstract:
The mariner transposable element which was originally found in Drosophila mauritiana has also been found in other species of the family Drosophilidae as well as in ten other species of insects. Primers were used to show regions of amino-acid conservation to indicate the presence of mariner elements in the insects. Various mariners were found in multiple clones from each species, indicating transmission through vertical inheritance and horizontal transfers. Thus, the mariner element could be useful in the development of genetic transformation systems in other arthropods.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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Voyage of an ancient mariner
Article Abstract:
Recent studies using the polymerase chain reaction have revealed clues on the origin and evolutionary age of mobile genetic elements or mariners. These elements can also be found in various insect species besides Drosophila mauritius. Their presence have been discovered in other melanogaster subgroups of Drosophila and in ten other species of insects such as bees and mosquitoes. These findings may have several implications and applications in the field of genetic engineering.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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