Genomics Inform.  2012 Dec;10(4):226-233. 10.5808/GI.2012.10.4.226.

Transposable Elements: No More 'Junk DNA'

• Kim YJ
• Lee J
• Han K

• KMID: 2053301
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5808/GI.2012.10.4.226

Abstract

Since the advent of whole-genome sequencing, transposable elements (TEs), just thought to be 'junk' DNA, have been noticed because of their numerous copies in various eukaryotic genomes. Many studies about TEs have been conducted to discover their functions in their host genomes. Based on the results of those studies, it has been generally accepted that they have a function to cause genomic and genetic variations. However, their infinite functions are not fully elucidated. Through various mechanisms, including de novo TE insertions, TE insertion-mediated deletions, and recombination events, they manipulate their host genomes. In this review, we focus on Alu, L1, human endogenous retrovirus, and short interspersed element/variable number of tandem repeats/Alu (SVA) elements and discuss how they have affected primate genomes, especially the human and chimpanzee genomes, since their divergence.

Keyword

Alu elements; DNA transposable elements; endogenous retroviruses; long interspersed nucleotide elements; SVA

MeSH Terms

Alu Elements
Coat Protein Complex I
DNA
DNA Transposable Elements
Endogenous Retroviruses
Genetic Variation
Genome
Humans
Long Interspersed Nucleotide Elements
Pan troglodytes
Primates
Recombination, Genetic
Tromethamine
Coat Protein Complex I
DNA
DNA Transposable Elements
Tromethamine