A family of Tn7-like transposons evolved to target CRISPR repeats.

ABSTRACT: Tn7 family transposons are mobile genetic elements known for precise target site selection, with some co-opting CRISPR-Cas systems for RNA-guided transposition. We identified a novel group of Tn7-like transposons in Cyanobacteria that preferentially target CRISPR arrays, suggesting a new functional interaction between these elements and CRISPR-Cas systems. Using bioinformatics tools, we characterized their phylogeny, target specificity, and sub-specialization. The array-targeting elements are phylogenetically close to tRNA-targeting elements. The distinct target preference coincides with loss of a C-terminal region in the TnsD protein which is responsible for recognizing target sites when compared to closely related elements. Notably, elements are found integrated into a fixed position wit

SUBMITTER: Chacon Machado L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11837452 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature