Identification and Characterization of LINE and SINE Retrotransposons in the African Hedgehog (<i>Atelerix albiventris</i>, <i>Erinaceidae</i>) and Their Association with 3D Genome Organization and Gene Expression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) exhibits specialized skin differentiation leading to spine formation, yet its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Transposable elements (TEs), particularly LINEs (long interspersed nuclear elements) and SINEs (short interspersed nuclear elements), are known to influence genome organization and gene regulation.

Objectives

Given the high proportion of SINEs in the hedgehog genome, this study aims to characterize the distribution, evolutionary dynamics, and potential regulatory roles of LINEs and SINEs, focusing on their associations with chromatin architecture, DNA methylation, and gene expression.

Methods

We analyzed LINE and SINE distribution using HiFi sequencing and classified TE families through phylog

SUBMITTER: Zhu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12026660 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature