A novel family of mobile genetic elements is limited to the germline genome in Tetrahymena thermophila.

ABSTRACT: In the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila, extensive DNA elimination is associated with differentiation of the somatic macronucleus from the germline micronucleus. This study describes the isolation and complete characterization of Tlr elements, a family of approximately 30 micronuclear DNA sequences that are efficiently eliminated from the developing macronucleus. The data indicate that Tlr elements are comprised of an approximately 22 kb internal region flanked by complex and variable termini. The Tlr internal region is highly conserved among family members and contains 15 open reading frames, some of which resemble genes encoded by transposons and viruses. The Tlr termini appear to be long inverted repeats consisting of (i) a variable region containing multiple direct repeats wh

SUBMITTER: Wuitschick JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC117186 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature