The Genomic Distribution of L1 Elements: The Role of Insertion Bias and Natural Selection | Zendy

T. W. Graham | Zendy; Stéphane Boissinot | Zendy

AI Assistant Blog Pricing

Home ZAIA Blog

Open Access

The Genomic Distribution of L1 Elements: The Role of Insertion Bias and Natural Selection

Author(s) -

T. W. Graham,

Stéphane Boissinot

Publication year - 2006

Publication title -

biomed research international

Language(s) - English

Resource type - Journals

eISSN - 2314-6141

pISSN - 2314-6133

DOI - 10.1155/jbb/2006/75327

Subject(s) - retrotransposon , biology , genome , genetics , negative selection , natural selection , selection (genetic algorithm) , mechanism (biology) , gene , transposable element , loss function , alu element , insert (composites) , computational biology , human genome , phenotype , computer science , mechanical engineering , philosophy , epistemology , artificial intelligence , engineering

LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons constitute the most successful family of retroelements in mammals and account for as much as 20% of mammalian DNA. L1 elements can be found in all genomic regions but they are far more abundant in AT-rich, gene-poor, and low-recombining regions of the genome. In addition, the sex chromosomes and some genes seem disproportionately enriched in L1 elements. Insertion bias and selective processes can both account for this biased distribution of L1 elements. L1 elements do not appear to insert randomly in the genome and this insertion bias can at least partially explain the genomic distribution of L1. The contrasted distribution of L1 and Alu elements suggests that postinsertional processes play a major role in shaping L1 distribution. The most likely mechanism is the loss of recently integrated L1 elements that are deleterious (negative selection) either because of disruption of gene function or their ability to mediate ectopic recombination. By comparison, the retention of L1 elements because of some positive effect is limited to a small fraction of the genome. Understanding the respective importance of insertion bias and selection will require a better knowledge of insertion mechanisms and the dynamics of L1 inserts in populations.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.

Having issues? You can contact us here

Accelerating Research