Exaptation of transposable element coding sequences

作者：Joly Lopez Zoe; Bureau Thomas E^*

来源：Current Opinion in Genetics & Development, 2018, 49: 34-42.

DOI：10.1016/j.gde.2018.02.011

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that were once perceived as merely selfish, but are now recognized as potent agents of adaptation. One way TEs contribute to genome evolution is through TE exaptation, a process whereby TEs, which usually persist by replicating in the genome, transform into novel host genes, which thereafter persist by conferring phenotypic benefits. Exapted TEs are known to contribute diverse and vital functions, and may facilitate punctuated equilibrium, yet we have little understanding about the process of TE exaptation. In order to facilitate our understanding of how TE coding sequences may become exapted, here we incorporate the findings of recent publications into a framework and six-step model.

• 出版日期2018-4
• 单位McGill