Tc 1-like transposable elements in plant genomes

• Published in: Mobile DNA
• Main Authors: Liu, Yuan, Yang, Guojun
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Rapa; Betula nana; Dwarf birch
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/86617; https://doi.org/10.1186/1759-8753-5-17

Abstract Background The Tc1/mariner superfamily of transposable elements (TEs) is widespread in animal genomes. Mariner-like elements, which bear a DDD triad catalytic motif, have been identified in a wide range of flowering plant species. However, as the founding member of the superfamily, Tc 1-like elements that bear a DD34E triad catalytic motif are only known to unikonts (animals, fungi, and Entamoeba). Results Here we report the identification of Tc 1-like elements (TLEs) in plant genomes. These elements bear the four terminal nucleotides and the characteristic DD34E triad motif of Tc 1 element. The two TLE families (PpTc 1, PpTc 2) identified in the moss (Physcomitrella patens) genome contain highly similar copies. Multiple copies of PpTc 1 are actively transcribed and the transcripts encode intact full length transposase coding sequences. TLEs are also found in angiosperm genome sequence databases of rice (Oryza sativa), dwarf birch (Betula nana), cabbage (Brassica rapa), hemp (Cannabis sativa), barley (Hordium valgare), lettuce (Lactuta sativa), poplar (Populus trichocarpa), pear (Pyrus x bretschneideri), and wheat (Triticum urartu). Conclusions This study extends the occurrence of TLEs to the plant phylum. The elements in the moss genome have amplified recently and may still be capable of transposition. The TLEs are also present in angiosperm genomes, but apparently much less abundant than in moss.