Genomes were forged by massive bombardments with retroelements and retrosequences |
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Authors: | Jürgen Brosius |
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Institution: | (1) Institute of Experimental Pathology/Molecular Neurobiology, ZMBE, University of Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 56, D-48149 Münster, Germany (Phone: + |
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Abstract: | Retroposition is an efficient route to move coding regions around the genome ‘in search’ of novel regulatory elements and
to shotgun regulatory elements into the genome ‘in search’ of new target genes. The templates for such retrogenes are mRNAs,
and for regulatory retronuons (nuon=any definable nucleic acid sequence) usually small non-mRNAs. An example in support of
the ‘master gene’ model for SINEs (short interspersed repetive elements) is provided with neuronal BC1 RNA. Furthermore, an
alternative explanation of LINE (long interspersed repetive elements) involvement in the generation of SINEs is given. I will
also argue that the status of transposable elements with respect to the host resembles more symbiosis than parasitiasis and
that host defense is often lenient as if even to ‘tolerate or support’ retronuons. Finally the paradox of evolution's lack
of foresight and the future exaptive use of retronuons is being dealt with by referring to W.F. Doolittle's ‘Hierarchical
Approaches to Genome Evolution’.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. |
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