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Vela J, Mora P, Montiel EE, Rico-Porras JM, Sanllorente O, Amoasii D, Lorite P, Palomeque T. Exploring horizontal transfer of mariner transposable elements among ants and aphids. Gene 2024; 899:148144. [PMID: 38195050 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Aphids and ants are mutualistic species with a close space-time relationship, which may facilitate the occurrence of horizontal transfer events between these insect groups. Myrmar-like mariner elements were previously isolated from two ant (Myrmica ruginodis and Tapinoma ibericum) and two aphid species (Aphis fabae and Aphis hederae). The aim of this work is to determine the presence of Myrmar-like mariner elements in new ant and aphid species, as well as to analyze the likelihood of horizontal transfer events between these taxa. To accomplish this, the Myrmar-like element has been isolated from five aphid species and six ant species. Among these new analyzed species, full-length Myrmar-like mariner elements with very high sequence similarity have been isolated from the aphids Aphis nerii, Aphis spiraecola, Brachycaudus cardui, and Rhopalosiphum maidis as well as from the ants Lasius grandis and Lasius niger, even though aphids and ants belong to two insect orders (Hemiptera and Hymenoptera) that have evolved independently for at least 300 million-years. Both Lasius species establish frequent mutualistic relationships with multiple aphid species, including A. nerii, A. spiraecola, and B. cardui. The study of the putative protein encoded by them and the phylogenetic analysis suggests that they could be active transposons shared by aphids and ants through horizontal transfer events. Additionally, mariner elements with internal deletion were found in several aphids and one ant species, showing a high degree of sequence similarity among them. The characteristics of these elements with internal deletion suggest a complex origin involving various evolutionary processes, possibly including also horizontal transfer events. Myrmar-like elements have also been isolated from the other ant species, although without similarity with the aphid mariner sequences. Myrmar-like elements are also present in phylogenetically distant insect species, as well as in one crustacean species. The phylogenetic study carried out with all Myrmar-like elements suggests the probable occurrence of horizontal transfer events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Vela
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Área de Genética, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain.
| | - Pablo Mora
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Área de Genética, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain.
| | - Eugenia E Montiel
- Departamento de Biología (Genética), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - José M Rico-Porras
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Área de Genética, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain.
| | - Olivia Sanllorente
- Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Daniela Amoasii
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Área de Genética, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain.
| | - Pedro Lorite
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Área de Genética, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain.
| | - Teresa Palomeque
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Área de Genética, Universidad de Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain.
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Aphids and Ants, Mutualistic Species, Share a Mariner Element with an Unusual Location on Aphid Chromosomes. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121966. [PMID: 34946915 PMCID: PMC8701394 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae) are small phytophagous insects. The aim of this study was to determine if the mariner elements found in the ant genomes are also present in Aphis fabae and Aphis hederae genomes and the possible existence of horizontal transfer events. Aphids maintain a relationship of mutualism with the ants. The close contact between these insects could favour horizontal transfer events of transposable elements. Myrmar mariner element isolated from Myrmica ruginodis and Tapinoma ibericum ants have also been found in the two Aphis species: A. fabae and A. hederae (Afabmar-Mr and Ahedmar-Mr elements). Besides, Afabmar-Mr could be an active transposon. Myrmar-like elements are also present in other insect species as well as in one Crustacean species. The phylogenetic study carried out with all Myrmar-like elements suggests the existence of horizontal transfer. Most aphids have 2n = 8 with a XX-X0 sex determination system. Their complicated life cycle is mostly parthenogenetic with sexual individuals only in autumn. The production of X0 males, originated by XX females which produce only spermatozoa with one X chromosome, must necessarily occur through specialized cytogenetic and molecular mechanisms which are not entirely known. In both aphid species, the mariner elements are located on all chromosomes, including the X chromosomes. However, on the two X chromosomes, no positive signals are detected in their small DAPI-negative telomere regions. The rDNA sites are located, as in the majority of Aphids species, on one of the telomere regions of each X chromosome. The hybridization patterns obtained by double FISH demonstrate that Afabmar-Mr and Ahedmar-Mr elements do not hybridize at the rDNA sites of their host species. Possible causes for the absence of these transposons in the rDNA genes are discussed, probably related with the X chromosome biology.
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Complex Evolutionary History of Mboumar, a Mariner Element Widely Represented in Ant Genomes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2610. [PMID: 32054918 PMCID: PMC7018970 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59422-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mboumar-9 is an active mariner-transposable element previously isolated in the ant Messor bouvieri. In this work, a mariner-like element, Mboumar, isolated from 22 species of ants, is analyzed. These species belong to nine different subfamilies, including Leptanillinae, the most primitive ant subfamily, and Myrmicinae and Formicidae, the most derived ones. Consequently, Mboumar-like elements seem to be well-represented in ant genomes. The phylogenetic tree drawn for mariner elements is highly inconsistent with the phylogeny of host ants, with almost identical elements found in clearly distant species and, on the contrary, more variable elements in closely related species. The inconsistency between the two phylogenetic trees indicates that these transposable elements have evolved independently from the speciation events of the ants that host them. Besides, we found closer genetic relationships among elements than among their host ants. We also found potential coding copies with an uninterrupted open reading frame of 345 aa in 11 species. The putative transposase codified by them showed a high sequence identity with the active Mboumar-9 transposase. The results of selection tests suggest the intervention of purifying selection in the evolution of these elements. Overall, our study suggests a complex evolutionary history of the Mboumar-like mariner in ants, with important participation of horizontal transfer events. We also suggest that the evolutionary dynamics of Mboumar-like elements can be influenced by the genetic system of their host ants, which are eusocial insects with a haplodiploid genetic system.
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Bhatt S, Chalmers R. Targeted DNA transposition in vitro using a dCas9-transposase fusion protein. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:8126-8135. [PMID: 31429873 PMCID: PMC6735945 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Homology-directed genome engineering is limited by transgene size. Although DNA transposons are more efficient with large transgenes, random integrations are potentially mutagenic. Here we present an in vitro mechanistic study that demonstrates efficient Cas9 targeting of the mariner transposon Hsmar1. Integrations were unidirectional and tightly constrained to one side of the sgRNA binding site. Further analysis of the nucleoprotein intermediates demonstrated that the transposase and Cas9 moieties can bind their respective substrates independently or in concert. Kinetic analysis of the reaction in the presence of the Cas9 target-DNA revealed a delay between first and second strand cleavage at the transposon end. This step involves a significant conformational change that may be hindered by the properties of the interdomainal linker. Otherwise, the transposase moiety behaved normally and was proficient for integration in vitro and in Escherichia coli. Specific integration into the lacZ gene in E. coli was obscured by a high background of random integrations. Nevertheless, Cas9 is an attractive candidate for transposon-targeting because it has a high affinity and long dwell-time at its target site. This will facilitate a future optogenetic strategy for the temporal control of integration, which will increase the ratio of targeted to untargeted events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Bhatt
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Ronald Chalmers
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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An Analysis of IS630/Tc1/mariner Transposons in the Genome of a Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea gigas. J Mol Evol 2018; 86:566-580. [PMID: 30283979 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-018-9868-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements represent the DNA fragments capable of increasing their copy number and moving within the genome. Class II mobile elements represents the DNA transposons, which transpose via excision and the subsequent reinsertion at random genomic loci. The increase of their copy number occurs only when the transposition event is coupled with the replication. IS630/Tc1/mariner DNA transposon superfamily is one of the largest and widely distributed among the Class II elements. In this work, we provide a detailed analysis of IS630/Tc1/mariner DNA transposons from the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. IS630/Tc1/mariner transposons represented in the genome of the Pacific oyster belong to four families, Tc1 (DD34E), mariner (DD34D), pogo (DDxD), and rosa (DD41D). More than a half of IS630/Tc1/mariner elements from C. gigas belong to Tc1 family. Furthermore, Mariner-31_CGi element was shown to represent a new and previously unknown family with DD37E signature. We also discovered the full-size transcripts of eight elements from Tc1, mariner, and pogo families, three of which can, presumably, retain their transposition activity.
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Xie LQ, Wang PL, Jiang SH, Zhang Z, Zhang HH. Genome-wide identification and evolution of TC1/Mariner in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) genome. Genes Genomics 2018; 40:485-495. [PMID: 29892960 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-018-0648-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
TC1/Mariner transposons belong to class II transposable elements (TEs) that use DNA-mediated "cut and paste" mechanism to transpose, and they have been identified in almost all organisms. Although silkworm (Bombyx mori) has a large amount of TC1/Mariner elements, the genome wide information of this superfamily in the silkworm is unknown. In this study, we have identified 2670 TC1/Mariner (Bmmar) elements in the silkworm genome. All the TEs were classified into 22 families by means of fgclust, a tool of repetitive sequence classification, seven of which was first reported in this study. Phylogenetic and structure analyses based on the catalytic domain (DDxD/E) of transposase sequences indicated that all members of TC1/Mariner were grouped into five subgroups: Mariner, Tc1, maT, DD40D and DD41D/E. Of these five subgroups, maT rather than Mariner possessed most members of TC1/Mariner (51.23%) in the silkworm genome. In particular, phylogenetic analysis and structure analysis revealed that Bmmar15 (DD40D) formed a new basal subgroup of TC1/Mariner element in insects, which was referred to as bmori. Furthermore, we concluded that DD40D appeared to intermediate between mariner and Tc1. Finally, we estimated the insertion time for each copy of TC1/Mariner in the silkworm and found that most of members were dramatically amplified during a period from 0 to 1 mya. Moreover, the detailed functional data analysis showed that Bmmar1, Bmmar6 and Bmmar9 had EST evidence and intact transposases. These implied that TC1/Mariner might have potential transpositional activity. In conclusion, this study provides some new insights into the landscape, origin and evolution of TC1/Mariner in the insect genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qin Xie
- College of Pharmacy and Life Science, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Ping-Lan Wang
- College of Pharmacy and Life Science, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Shen-Hua Jiang
- College of Pharmacy and Life Science, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Hua-Hao Zhang
- College of Pharmacy and Life Science, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China.
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Bouallègue M, Filée J, Kharrat I, Mezghani-Khemakhem M, Rouault JD, Makni M, Capy P. Diversity and evolution of mariner-like elements in aphid genomes. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:494. [PMID: 28662628 PMCID: PMC5490172 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3856-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although transposons have been identified in almost all organisms, genome-wide information on mariner elements in Aphididae remains unknown. Genomes of Acyrthosiphon pisum, Diuraphis noxia and Myzus persicae belonging to the Macrosiphini tribe, actually available in databases, have been investigated. Results A total of 22 lineages were identified. Classification and phylogenetic analysis indicated that they were subdivided into three monophyletic groups, each of them containing at least one putative complete sequence, and several non-autonomous sublineages corresponding to Miniature Inverted-Repeat Transposable Elements (MITE), probably generated by internal deletions. A high proportion of truncated and dead copies was also detected. The three clusters can be defined from their catalytic site: (i) mariner DD34D, including three subgroups of the irritans subfamily (Macrosiphinimar, Batmar-like elements and Dnomar-like elements); (ii) rosa DD41D, found in A. pisum and D. noxia; (iii) a new clade which differs from rosa through long TIRs and thus designated LTIR-like elements. Based on its catalytic domain, this new clade is subdivided into DD40D and DD41D subgroups. Compared to other Tc1/mariner superfamily sequences, rosa DD41D and LTIR DD40-41D seem more related to maT DD37D family. Conclusion Overall, our results reveal three clades belonging to the irritans subfamily, rosa and new LTIR-like elements. Data on structure and specific distribution of these transposable elements in the Macrosiphini tribe contribute to the understanding of their evolutionary history and to that of their hosts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3856-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryem Bouallègue
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportement, Ecologie CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, IRD, Université Paris-Saclay, 1 avenue de la Terrasse, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France.,Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, UR11ES10 Génomique des Insectes Ravageurs de Cultures, Université de Tunis El Manar, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Jonathan Filée
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportement, Ecologie CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, IRD, Université Paris-Saclay, 1 avenue de la Terrasse, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Imen Kharrat
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, UR11ES10 Génomique des Insectes Ravageurs de Cultures, Université de Tunis El Manar, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Maha Mezghani-Khemakhem
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, UR11ES10 Génomique des Insectes Ravageurs de Cultures, Université de Tunis El Manar, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Jacques-Deric Rouault
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportement, Ecologie CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, IRD, Université Paris-Saclay, 1 avenue de la Terrasse, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France
| | - Mohamed Makni
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, UR11ES10 Génomique des Insectes Ravageurs de Cultures, Université de Tunis El Manar, 1002, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Pierre Capy
- Laboratoire Evolution, Génomes, Comportement, Ecologie CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, IRD, Université Paris-Saclay, 1 avenue de la Terrasse, 91198, Gif-sur-Yvette Cedex, France.
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Zhou MB, Hu H, Miskey C, Lazarow K, Ivics Z, Kunze R, Yang G, Izsvák Z, Tang DQ. Transposition of the bamboo Mariner-like element Ppmar1 in yeast. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2017; 109:367-374. [PMID: 28189615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The moso bamboo genome contains the two structurally intact and thus potentially functional mariner-like elements Ppmar1 and Ppmar2. Both elements contain perfect terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) and a full-length intact transposase gene. Here we investigated whether Ppmar1 is functional in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). We have designed a two-component system consisting of a transposase expression cassette and a non-autonomous transposon on two separate plasmids. We demonstrate that the Ppmar1 transposase Pptpase1 catalyses excision of the non-autonomous Ppmar1NA element from the plasmid and reintegration at TA dinucleotide sequences in the yeast chromosomes. In addition, we generated 14 hyperactive Ppmar1 transposase variants by systematic single amino acid substitutions. The most active transposase variant, S171A, induces 10-fold more frequent Ppmar1NA excisions in yeast than the wild type transposase. The Ppmar1 transposon is a promising tool for insertion mutagenesis in moso bamboo and may be used in other plants as an alternative to the established transposon tagging systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Bing Zhou
- The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, LinAn, China
| | - Hui Hu
- The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, LinAn, China
| | - Csaba Miskey
- Paul Ehrlich Institute, Paul Ehrlich Str. 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Katina Lazarow
- Institute of Biology, Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Paul Ehrlich Institute, Paul Ehrlich Str. 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Kunze
- Institute of Biology, Dahlem Centre of Plant Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Guojun Yang
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Society, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Ding-Qin Tang
- The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A & F University, LinAn, China.
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Muñoz-Lopez M, Vilar-Astasio R, Tristan-Ramos P, Lopez-Ruiz C, Garcia-Pérez JL. Study of Transposable Elements and Their Genomic Impact. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1400:1-19. [PMID: 26895043 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3372-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) have been considered traditionally as junk DNA, i.e., DNA sequences that despite representing a high proportion of genomes had no evident cellular functions. However, over the last decades, it has become undeniable that not only TE-derived DNA sequences have (and had) a fundamental role during genome evolution, but also TEs have important implications in the origin and evolution of many genomic disorders. This concise review provides a brief overview of the different types of TEs that can be found in genomes, as well as a list of techniques and methods used to study their impact and mobilization. Some of these techniques will be covered in detail in this Method Book.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Muñoz-Lopez
- Department of Human DNA Variability, Pfizer/University of Granada and Andalusian Regional Government Center for Genomics and Oncology (GENYO), Avda Ilustracion 114, PTS Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Raquel Vilar-Astasio
- Department of Human DNA Variability, Pfizer/University of Granada and Andalusian Regional Government Center for Genomics and Oncology (GENYO), Avda Ilustracion 114, PTS Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Tristan-Ramos
- Department of Human DNA Variability, Pfizer/University of Granada and Andalusian Regional Government Center for Genomics and Oncology (GENYO), Avda Ilustracion 114, PTS Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Cesar Lopez-Ruiz
- Department of Human DNA Variability, Pfizer/University of Granada and Andalusian Regional Government Center for Genomics and Oncology (GENYO), Avda Ilustracion 114, PTS Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose L Garcia-Pérez
- -Genyo (Center for Genomics and Oncological Research), Pfizer/Universidad de Granada/Junta de Andalucia. PTS Granada, Spain-Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM), University of Edinburgh,, Edinburgh, UK
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Characterization of irritans mariner-like elements in the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae): evolutionary implications. Naturwissenschaften 2016; 103:64. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-016-1391-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
The IS630-Tc1-mariner (ITm) family of transposons is one of the most widespread in nature. The phylogenetic distribution of its members shows that they do not persist for long in a given lineage, but rely on frequent horizontal transfer to new hosts. Although they are primarily selfish genomic-parasites, ITm transposons contribute to the evolution of their hosts because they generate variation and contribute protein domains and regulatory regions. Here we review the molecular mechanism of ITm transposition and its regulation. We focus mostly on the mariner elements, which are understood in the greatest detail owing to in vitro reconstitution and structural analysis. Nevertheless, the most important characteristics are probably shared across the grouping. Members of the ITm family are mobilized by a cut-and-paste mechanism and integrate at 5'-TA dinucleotide target sites. The elements encode a single transposase protein with an N-terminal DNA-binding domain and a C-terminal catalytic domain. The phosphoryl-transferase reactions during the DNA-strand breaking and joining reactions are performed by the two metal-ion mechanism. The metal ions are coordinated by three or four acidic amino acid residues located within an RNase H-like structural fold. Although all of the strand breaking and joining events at a given transposon end are performed by a single molecule of transposase, the reaction is coordinated by close communication between transpososome components. During transpososome assembly, transposase dimers compete for free transposon ends. This helps to protect the host by dampening an otherwise exponential increase in the rate of transposition as the copy number increases.
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Tc1-like Transposase Thm3 of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) Can Mediate Gene Transposition in the Genome of Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2015; 5:2601-10. [PMID: 26438298 PMCID: PMC4683633 DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.020933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tc1-like transposons consist of an inverted repeat sequence flanking a transposase gene that exhibits similarity to the mobile DNA element, Tc1, of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. They are widely distributed within vertebrate genomes including teleost fish; however, few active Tc1-like transposases have been discovered. In this study, 17 Tc1-like transposon sequences were isolated from 10 freshwater fish species belonging to the families Cyprinidae, Adrianichthyidae, Cichlidae, and Salmonidae. We conducted phylogenetic analyses of these sequences using previously isolated Tc1-like transposases and report that 16 of these elements comprise a new subfamily of Tc1-like transposons. In particular, we show that one transposon, Thm3 from silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix; Cyprinidae), can encode a 335-aa transposase with apparently intact domains, containing three to five copies in its genome. We then coinjected donor plasmids harboring 367 bp of the left end and 230 bp of the right end of the nonautonomous silver carp Thm1 cis-element along with capped Thm3 transposase RNA into the embryos of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala; one- to two-cell embryos). This experiment revealed that the average integration rate could reach 50.6% in adult fish. Within the blunt snout bream genome, the TA dinucleotide direct repeat, which is the signature of Tc1-like family of transposons, was created adjacent to both ends of Thm1 at the integration sites. Our results indicate that the silver carp Thm3 transposase can mediate gene insertion by transposition within the genome of blunt snout bream genome, and that this occurs with a TA position preference.
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Palomeque T, Sanllorente O, Maside X, Vela J, Mora P, Torres MI, Periquet G, Lorite P. Evolutionary history of the Azteca-like mariner transposons and their host ants. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2015. [PMID: 26195134 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-015-1294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Three different complete mariner elements were found in the genome of the ant Tapinoma nigerrimum. One (Tnigmar-Mr) was interrupted by a 900-bp insertion that corresponded to an incomplete member of a fourth mariner element, called Azteca. In this work, we isolate and characterize full-length Tnigmar-Az elements in T. nigerrimum. The purpose of this study is to clarify the evolutionary history of Azteca elements and their hosts as well as the possible existence of horizontal transfer processes. For this, Azteca-like elements were also retrieved from the available sequences of various ant genomes, representing four different ant subfamilies: Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, and Ponerinae. The tree topology resulting for the Azteca-like elements bore very little resemblance to that of their respective hosts. The pervasive presence of Azteca-like elements in all ant genomes, together with the observation that extant copies are usually younger than the genomes that host them, could be explained either by lineage sorting or by recent horizontal transfer of active elements. However, the finding of closer genetic relationships between elements than between the ants that host them is consistent with the latter scenario. This is clearly observed in Sinvmar-Az, Tnigmar-Az, Acepmar-Az, and Cflomar-Az elements, suggesting the existence of horizontal transfer processes. On the contrary, some elements displayed more divergence than did the hosts harboring them. This may reflect either further horizontal transfer events or random lineage sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Palomeque
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Universidad de Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain
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Kharrat I, Mezghani M, Casse N, Denis F, Caruso A, Makni H, Capy P, Rouault JD, Chénais B, Makni M. Characterization of mariner-like transposons of the mauritiana Subfamily in seven tree aphid species. Genetica 2015; 143:63-72. [PMID: 25555688 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-014-9814-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mariner-like elements (MLEs) are Class II transposons present in all eukaryotic genomes in which MLEs have been searched for. This article reports the detection of MLEs in seven of the main fruit tree aphid species out of eight species studied. Deleted MLE sequences of 916-919 bp were characterized, using the terminal-inverted repeats (TIRs) of mariner elements belonging to the mauritiana Subfamily as primers. All the sequences detected were deleted copies of full-length elements that included the 3'- and 5'-TIRs but displayed internal deletions affecting Mos1 activity. Networks based on the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit-I (CO-I) and MLE sequences were incongruent, suggesting that mutations in transposon sequences had accumulated before speciation of tree aphid species occurred, and that they have been maintained in this species via vertical transmissions. This is the first evidence of the widespread occurrence of MLEs in aphids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Kharrat
- Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar, UR11ES10 Génomique des insectes ravageurs, 2092, Manar II, Tunisia
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15
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Trubitsyna M, Morris ER, Finnegan DJ, Richardson JM. Biochemical characterization and comparison of two closely related active mariner transposases. Biochemistry 2014; 53:682-9. [PMID: 24404958 PMCID: PMC3922039 DOI: 10.1021/bi401193w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
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Most DNA transposons move from one
genomic location to another
by a cut-and-paste mechanism and are useful tools for genomic manipulations.
Short inverted repeat (IR) DNA sequences marking each end of the transposon
are recognized by a DNA transposase (encoded by the transposon itself).
This enzyme cleaves the transposon ends and integrates them at a new
genomic location. We report here a comparison of the biophysical and
biochemical properties of two closely related and active mariner/Tc1 family DNA transposases: Mboumar-9 and Mos1. We compared the in vitro cleavage activities of the enzymes on their own
IR sequences, as well as cross-recognition of their inverted repeat
sequences. We found that, like Mos1, untagged recombinant Mboumar-9
transposase is a dimer and forms a stable complex with inverted repeat
DNA in the presence of Mg2+ ions. Mboumar-9 transposase
cleaves its inverted repeat DNA in the manner observed for Mos1 transposase.
There was minimal cross-recognition of IR sequences between Mos1 and
Mboumar-9 transposases, despite these enzymes having 68% identical
amino acid sequences. Transposases sharing common biophysical and
biochemical properties, but retaining recognition specificity toward
their own IR, are a promising platform for the design of chimeric
transposases with predicted and improved sequence recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryia Trubitsyna
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh , The King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JR, United Kingdom
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16
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Liu D, Chalmers R. Hyperactive mariner transposons are created by mutations that disrupt allosterism and increase the rate of transposon end synapsis. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 42:2637-45. [PMID: 24319144 PMCID: PMC3936726 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
New applications for transposons in vertebrate genetics have spurred efforts to develop hyperactive variants. Typically, a genetic screen is used to identify several hyperactive point mutations, which are then incorporated in a single transposase gene. However, the mechanisms responsible for the increased activity are unknown. Here we show that several point mutations in the mariner transposase increase their activities by disrupting the allostery that normally serves to downregulate transposition by slowing synapsis of the transposon ends. We focused on the conserved WVPHEL amino acid motif, which forms part of the mariner transposase dimer interface. We generated almost all possible single substitutions of the W, V, E and L residues and found that the majority are hyperactive. Biochemical analysis of the mutations revealed that they disrupt signals that pass between opposite sides of the developing transpososome in response to transposon end binding. In addition to their role in allostery, the signals control the initiation of catalysis, thereby preventing non-productive double-strand breaks. Finally, we note that such breaks may explain the puzzling ‘self-inflicted wounds’ at the ends of the Mos1 transposon in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danxu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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17
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Lorite P, Maside X, Sanllorente O, Torres MI, Periquet G, Palomeque T. The ant genomes have been invaded by several types of mariner transposable elements. Naturwissenschaften 2012; 99:1007-20. [PMID: 23097152 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-012-0982-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To date, only three types of full-length mariner elements have been described in ants, each one in a different genus of the Myrmicinae subfamily: Sinvmar was isolated from various Solenopsis species, Myrmar from Myrmica ruginodis, and Mboumar from Messor bouvieri. In this study, we report the coexistence of three mariner elements (Tnigmar-Si, Tnigmar-Mr, and Tnigmar-Mb) in the genome of a single species, Tapinoma nigerrimum (subfamily Dolichoderinae). Molecular evolutionary analyses of the nucleotide sequence data revealed a general agreement between the evolutionary history of most the elements and the ant species that harbour them, and suggest that they are at the vertical inactivation stage of the so-called Mariner Life Cycle. In contrast, significantly reduced levels of synonymous divergence between Mboumar and Tnigmar-Mb and between Myrmar and Botmar (a mariner element isolated from Bombus terrestris), relative to those observed between their hosts, suggest that these elements arrived to the species that host them by horizontal transfer, long after the species' split. The horizontal transfer events for the two pairs of elements could be roughly dated within the last 2 million years and about 14 million years, respectively. As would be expected under this scenario, the coding sequences of the youngest elements, Tnigmar-Mb and Mboumar, are intact and, thus, potentially functional. Each mariner element has a different chromosomal distribution pattern according to their stage within the Mariner Life Cycle. Finally, a new defective transposable element (Azteca) has also been found inserted into the Tnigmar-Mr sequences showing that the ant genomes have been invaded by at least four different types of mariner elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Lorite
- Departamento de Biología Experimental, Área de Genética, Universidad de Jaén, 23071, Jaén, Spain
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18
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Montiel EE, Cabrero J, Camacho JPM, López-León MD. Gypsy, RTE and Mariner transposable elements populate Eyprepocnemis plorans genome. Genetica 2012; 140:365-74. [PMID: 23073915 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-012-9686-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We analyze here the presence and abundance of three types of transposable elements (TEs), i.e. Gypsy, RTE and Mariner, in the genome of the grasshopper Eyprepocnemis plorans. PCR experiments allowed amplification, cloning and sequencing of these elements (EploGypI, EploRTE5, EploMar20) from the E. plorans genome. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that all three elements are restricted to euchromatic regions, thus being absent from the pericentromeric region of all A chromosomes, which contain a satellite DNA (satDNA) and ribosomal DNA (rDNA), and being very scarce in B chromosomes mostly made up of these two types of repetitive DNA. FISH suggested that EploGypI is the most abundant and EploMar20 is the least abundant, with EploRTE5 showing intermediate abundance. An estimation of copy number, by means of quantitative PCR, showed that EploGypI is, by far, the most abundant element, followed by EploRTE5 and EploMar20, in consistency with FISH results. RNA isolation and PCR experiments on complementary DNA (cDNA) showed the presence of transcripts for the three TE elements. The implications of the preferential location of these TE elements into euchromatin, the significance of TE abundance in the giant genome of this species, and a possible relationship between TEs and B chromosome mutability, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia E Montiel
- Departamento de Genética, Universidad de Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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19
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Arnaoty A, Pitard B, Bateau B, Bigot Y, Lecomte T. Novel approach for the development of new antibodies directed against transposase-derived proteins encoded by human neogenes. Methods Mol Biol 2012; 859:293-305. [PMID: 22367879 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-603-6_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Molecular domestication of several DNA transposons has occurred during the evolution of the primate lineage, and has led to the emergence of at least 42 new genes known as neogenes. Because these genes are derived from transposons, they encode proteins that are related to certain recombinases, known as transposases. Consequently, they may make an important contribution to the genetic instability of some human cells. In order to investigate the role of these neogenes, we need to be able to study their expression as proteins, for example in tumours, which often provide good models of genetic instability. In order to perform such studies, polyclonal antibodies directed against the proteins expressed by neogenes are obtained using a recently developed new method of Nanospheres/DNA immunisation in laboratory mammals. In this chapter, we describe a fully integrated process of producing antibodies that consists of a series of steps starting with the preparation and synthetic formulation of plasmids encoding neogenes, and culminating in the final production and confirmation of the quality of these polyclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Arnaoty
- GICC, UMR CNRS 6239, Université François Rabelais, UFR des Sciences et Technques, Tours, France
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20
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Mittapalli O, Rivera-Vega L, Bhandary B, Bautista MA, Mamidala P, Michel AP, Shukle RH, Mian MAR. Cloning and characterization of mariner-like elements in the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2011; 101:697-704. [PMID: 21729396 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485311000253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is currently the most important insect pest of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in the United States and causes significant economic damage worldwide, but little is known about the aphid at the molecular level. Mariner-like transposable elements (MLEs) are ubiquitous within the genomes of arthropods and various other invertebrates. In this study, we report the cloning of MLEs from the soybean aphid genome using degenerate PCR primers designed to amplify conserved regions of mariner transposases. Two of the ten sequenced clones (designated as Agmar1 and Agmar2) contained partial but continuous open reading frames, which shared high levels of homology at the protein level with other mariner transposases from insects and other taxa. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Agmar1 to group within the irritans subfamily of MLEs and Agmar2 within the mellifera subfamily. Southern blot analysis and quantitative PCR analysis indicated a low copy number for Agmar1-like elements within the soybean aphid genome. These results suggest the presence of at least two different putative mariner-like transposases encoded by the soybean aphid genome. Both Agmar1 and Agmar2 could play influential roles in the architecture of the soybean aphid genome. Transposable elements are also thought to potentially mediate resistance in insects through changes in gene amplification and mutations in coding sequences. Finally, Agmar1 and Agmar2 may represent useful genetic tools and provide insights on A. glycines adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Mittapalli
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University/Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center, Wooster, USA.
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21
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Wallau GL, Hua-Van A, Capy P, Loreto ELS. The evolutionary history of mariner-like elements in Neotropical drosophilids. Genetica 2011; 139:327-38. [PMID: 21336962 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-011-9552-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionary history of mariner-like elements (MLEs) in 49 mainly Neotropical drosophilid species is described. So far, the investigations about the distribution of MLEs were performed mainly using hybridization assays with the Mos1 element (the first mariner active element described) in a widely range of drosophilid species and these sequences were found principally in species that arose in Afrotropical and Sino-Indian regions. Our analysis in mainly Neotropical drosophilid species shows that twenty-three species presented MLEs from three different subfamilies in their genomes: eighteen species had MLEs from subfamily mellifera, fifteen from subfamily mauritiana and three from subfamily irritans. Eleven of these species exhibited elements from more than one subfamily in their genome. In two subfamilies, the analyzed coding region was uninterrupted and contained conserved catalytic motifs. This suggests that these sequences were probably derived from active elements. The species with these putative active elements are Drosophila mediopunctata and D. busckii for the mauritiana subfamily, and D. paramediostriata for the mellifera subfamily. The phylogenetic analysis of MLE, shows a complex evolutionary pattern, exhibiting vertical transfer, stochastic loss and putative events of horizontal transmission occurring between different Drosophilidae species, and even those belonging to more distantly related taxa such as Bactrocera tryoni (Tephritidae family), Sphyracephala europaea (Diopsoidea superfamily) and Buenoa sp. (Hemiptera order). Moreover, our data show that the distribution of MLEs is not restricted to Afrotropical and Sino-Indian species. Conversely, these TEs are also widely distributed in drosophilid species arisen in the Neotropical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Luz Wallau
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rua Roraima, 1000 Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
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22
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Siddique A, Buisine N, Chalmers R. The transposon-like Correia elements encode numerous strong promoters and provide a potential new mechanism for phase variation in the meningococcus. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1001277. [PMID: 21283790 PMCID: PMC3024310 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1001277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is the primary causative agent of bacterial meningitis. The genome is rich in repetitive DNA and almost 2% is occupied by a diminutive transposon called the Correia element. Here we report a bioinformatic analysis defining eight subtypes of the element with four distinct types of ends. Transcriptional analysis, using PCR and a lacZ reporter system, revealed that two ends in particular encode strong promoters. The activity of the strongest promoter is dictated by a recurrent polymorphism (Y128) at the right end of the element. We highlight examples of elements that appear to drive transcription of adjacent genes and others that may express small non-coding RNAs. Pair-wise comparisons between three meningococcal genomes revealed that no more than two-thirds of Correia elements maintain their subtype at any particular locus. This is due to recombinational class switching between elements in a single strain. Upon switching subtype, a new allele is available to spread through the population by natural transformation. This process may represent a hitherto unrecognized mechanism for phase variation in the meningococcus. We conclude that the strain-to-strain variability of the Correia elements, and the large number of strong promoters encoded by them, allows for potentially widespread effects within the population as a whole. By defining the strength of the promoters encoded by the eight subtypes of Correia ends, we provide a resource that allows the transcriptional effects of a particular subtype at a given locus to be predicted.
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MESH Headings
- Base Sequence
- Computational Biology
- DNA Transposable Elements/genetics
- Evolution, Molecular
- Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
- Genome, Bacterial
- Humans
- Meningitis, Meningococcal/microbiology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae/genetics
- Neisseria meningitidis/genetics
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics
- Recombination, Genetic
- Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid/genetics
- Transcription, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Azeem Siddique
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Buisine
- Evolution des Régulation Endocriniennes, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Ronald Chalmers
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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23
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Rivera-Vega L, Mittapalli O. Molecular characterization of mariner-like elements in emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera, Polyphaga). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 74:205-216. [PMID: 20602451 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis), an exotic invasive pest, has killed millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in North America and continues to threaten the very survival of the entire Fraxinus genus. Despite its high-impact status, to date very little knowledge exists for this devastating insect pest at the molecular level. Mariner-like elements (MLEs) are transposable elements, which are ubiquitous in occurrence in insects and other invertebrates. Because of their low specificity and broad host range, they can be used for epitope-tagging, gene mapping, and in vitro mutagenesis. The majority of the known MLEs are inactive due to in-frame shifts and stop codons within the open reading frame (ORF). We report on the cloning and characterization of two MLEs in A. planipennis genome (Apmar1 and Apmar2). Southern analysis indicated a very high copy number for Apmar1 and a moderate copy number for Apmar2. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both elements belong to the irritans subfamily. Based on the high copy number for Apmar1, the full-length sequence was obtained using degenerate primers designed to the inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences of irritans MLEs. The recovered nucleotide sequence for Apmar1 consisted of 1,292 bases with perfect ITRs, and an ORF of 1,050 bases encoding a putative transposase of 349 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of Apmar1 contained the conserved regions of mariner transposases including WVPHEL and YSPDLAP, and the D,D(34)D motif. Both Apmar1 and Apmar2 could represent useful genetic tools and provide insights on EAB adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rivera-Vega
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University/Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center, Wooster, Ohio 44691, USA
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24
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Thomas X, Hedhili S, Beuf L, Demattéi MV, Laparra H, Khong GN, Breitler JC, Montandon F, Carnus E, Norre F, Burtin D, Gantet P, Bigot Y, Renault S. The mariner Mos1 transposase produced in tobacco is active in vitro. Genetica 2010; 138:519-30. [PMID: 19847655 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-009-9414-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Accepted: 10/05/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The mariner-like transposon Mos1 is used for insertional mutagenesis and transgenesis in different animals (insects, nematodes), but has never been used in plants. In this paper, the transposition activity of Mos1 was tested in Nicotiana tabacum, but no transposition event was detected. In an attempt to understand the absence of in planta transposition, Mos1 transposase (MOS1) was produced and purified from transgenic tobacco (HMNtMOS1). HMNtMOS1 was able to perform all transposition reaction steps in vitro: binding to ITR, excision and integration of the same pseudo-transposon used in in planta transposition assays. The in vitro transposition reaction was not inhibited by tobacco nuclear proteins, and did not depend on the temperature used for plant growth. Several hypotheses are proposed that could explain the inhibition of HMNtMOS1 activity in planta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Thomas
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, GICC, Parc de Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France
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25
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Muñoz-López M, García-Pérez JL. DNA transposons: nature and applications in genomics. Curr Genomics 2010; 11:115-28. [PMID: 20885819 PMCID: PMC2874221 DOI: 10.2174/138920210790886871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2009] [Revised: 11/18/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated DNA makes up a large fraction of a typical mammalian genome, and some repetitive elements are able to move within the genome (transposons and retrotransposons). DNA transposons move from one genomic location to another by a cut-and-paste mechanism. They are powerful forces of genetic change and have played a significant role in the evolution of many genomes. As genetic tools, DNA transposons can be used to introduce a piece of foreign DNA into a genome. Indeed, they have been used for transgenesis and insertional mutagenesis in different organisms, since these elements are not generally dependent on host factors to mediate their mobility. Thus, DNA transposons are useful tools to analyze the regulatory genome, study embryonic development, identify genes and pathways implicated in disease or pathogenesis of pathogens, and even contribute to gene therapy. In this review, we will describe the nature of these elements and discuss recent advances in this field of research, as well as our evolving knowledge of the DNA transposons most widely used in these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martín Muñoz-López
- Andalusian Stem Cell Bank, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, Armilla, 18100, Granada, Spain
| | - José L. García-Pérez
- Andalusian Stem Cell Bank, Center for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, Armilla, 18100, Granada, Spain
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26
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Atkinson H, Chalmers R. Delivering the goods: viral and non-viral gene therapy systems and the inherent limits on cargo DNA and internal sequences. Genetica 2010; 138:485-98. [PMID: 20084428 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-009-9434-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Viruses have long been considered to be the most promising tools for human gene therapy. However, the initial enthusiasm for the use of viruses has been tarnished in the light of potentially fatal side effects. Transposons have a long history of use with bacteria in the laboratory and are now routinely applied to eukaryotic model organisms. Transposons show promise for applications in human genetic modification and should prove a useful addition to the gene therapy tool kit. Here we review the use of viruses and the limitations of current approaches to gene therapy, followed by a more detailed analysis of transposon length and the physical properties of internal sequences, which both affect transposition efficiency. As transposon length increases, transposition decreases: this phenomenon is known as length-dependence, and has implications for vector cargo capacity. Disruption of internal sequences, either via deletion of native DNA or insertion of exogenous DNA, may reduce or enhance genetic mobility. These effects may be related to host factor binding, essential spacer requirements or other influences yet to be elucidated. Length-dependence is a complex phenomenon driven not simply by the distance between the transposon ends, but by host proteins, the transposase and the properties of the DNA sequences encoded within the transposon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Atkinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Center, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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27
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Claeys Bouuaert C, Chalmers R. Transposition of the human Hsmar1 transposon: rate-limiting steps and the importance of the flanking TA dinucleotide in second strand cleavage. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 38:190-202. [PMID: 19858101 PMCID: PMC2800235 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hsmar1 is a member of the mariner family of DNA transposons. Although widespread in nature, their molecular mechanism remains obscure. Many other cut-and-paste elements use a hairpin intermediate to cleave the two strands of DNA at each transposon end. However, this intermediate is absent in mariner, suggesting that these elements use a fundamentally different mechanism for second-strand cleavage. We have taken advantage of the faithful and efficient in vitro reaction provided by Hsmar1 to characterize the products and intermediates of transposition. We report different factors that particularly affect the reaction, which are the reaction pH and the transposase concentration. Kinetic analysis revealed that first-strand nicking and integration are rapid. The rate of the reaction is limited in part by the divalent metal ion-dependent assembly of a complex between transposase and the transposon end(s) prior to the first catalytic step. Second-strand cleavage is the rate-limiting catalytic step of the reaction. We discuss our data in light of a model for the two metal ion catalytic mechanism and propose that mariner excision involves a significant conformational change between first- and second-strand cleavage at each transposon end. Furthermore, this conformational change requires specific contacts between transposase and the flanking TA dinucleotide.
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28
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Base flipping in V(D)J recombination: insights into the mechanism of hairpin formation, the 12/23 rule, and the coordination of double-strand breaks. Mol Cell Biol 2009; 29:5889-99. [PMID: 19720743 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00187-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tn5 transposase cleaves the transposon end using a hairpin intermediate on the transposon end. This involves a flipped base that is stacked against a tryptophan residue in the protein. However, many other members of the cut-and-paste transposase family, including the RAG1 protein, produce a hairpin on the flanking DNA. We have investigated the reversed polarity of the reaction for RAG recombination. Although the RAG proteins appear to employ a base-flipping mechanism using aromatic residues, the putatively flipped base is not at the expected location and does not appear to stack against any of the said aromatic residues. We propose an alternative model in which a flipped base is accommodated in a nonspecific pocket or cleft within the recombinase. This is consistent with the location of the flipped base at position -1 in the coding flank, which can be occupied by purine or pyrimidine bases that would be difficult to stabilize using a single, highly specific, interaction. Finally, during this work we noticed that the putative base-flipping events on either side of the 12/23 recombination signal sequence paired complex are coupled to the nicking steps and serve to coordinate the double-strand breaks on either side of the complex.
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29
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Claeys Bouuaert C, Chalmers RM. Gene therapy vectors: the prospects and potentials of the cut-and-paste transposons. Genetica 2009; 138:473-84. [PMID: 19649713 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-009-9391-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy applications require efficient tools for the stable delivery of genetic information into eukaryotic genomes. Most current gene delivery strategies are based on viral vectors. However, a number of drawbacks, such as the limited cargo capacity, host immune response and mutational risks, highlight the need for alternative gene delivery tools. A comprehensive gene therapy tool kit should contain a range of vectors and techniques that can be adapted to different targets and purposes. Transposons provide a potentially powerful approach. However, transposons encompass a large number of different molecular mechanisms, some of which are better suited to gene delivery applications than others. Here, we consider the range and potentials of the various mechanisms, focusing on the cut-and-paste transposons as one of the more promising avenues towards gene therapy applications. Several cut-and-paste transposition systems are currently under development. We will first consider the mechanisms of piggyBac and the hAT family elements Tol1 and Tol2, before focusing on the mariner family elements including Mos1, Himar1 and Hsmar1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corentin Claeys Bouuaert
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Mariner transposons as genetic tools in vertebrate cells. Genetica 2009; 137:9-17. [PMID: 19479327 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-009-9370-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are being investigated as potential molecular tools in genetic engineering, for use in procedures such as transgenesis and insertional mutagenesis. Naturally active and reconstructed active TEs are both being studied to develop non-viral delivery vehicles. To date, the active elements being used include three Mariner-Like Elements (MLEs). We review below the studies that have investigated the ability of these MLEs to insert a transgene in vertebrate cells.
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Clark KJ, Carlson DF, Leaver MJ, Foster LK, Fahrenkrug SC. Passport, a native Tc1 transposon from flatfish, is functionally active in vertebrate cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:1239-47. [PMID: 19136468 PMCID: PMC2651795 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn1025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tc1/mariner family of DNA transposons is widespread across fungal, plant and animal kingdoms, and thought to contribute to the evolution of their host genomes. To date, an active Tc1 transposon has not been identified within the native genome of a vertebrate. We demonstrate that Passport, a native transposon isolated from a fish (Pleuronectes platessa), is active in a variety of vertebrate cells. In transposition assays, we found that the Passport transposon system improved stable cellular transgenesis by 40-fold, has an apparent preference for insertion into genes, and is subject to overproduction inhibition like other Tc1 elements. Passport represents the first vertebrate Tc1 element described as both natively intact and functionally active, and given its restricted phylogenetic distribution, may be contemporaneously active. The Passport transposon system thus complements the available genetic tools for the manipulation of vertebrate genomes, and may provide a unique system for studying the infiltration of vertebrate genomes by Tc1 elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl J Clark
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
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