Genome organization and gene expression shape the transposable element distribution in the Drosophila melanogaster euchromatin.

ABSTRACT: The distribution of transposable elements (TEs) in a genome reflects a balance between insertion rate and selection against new insertions. Understanding the distribution of TEs therefore provides insights into the forces shaping the organization of genomes. Past research has shown that TEs tend to accumulate in genomic regions with low gene density and low recombination rate. However, little is known about the factors modulating insertion rates across the genome and their evolutionary significance. One candidate factor is gene expression, which has been suggested to increase local insertion rate by rendering DNA more accessible. We test this hypothesis by comparing the TE density around germline- and soma-expressed genes in the euchromatin of Drosophila melanogaster. Because only insertio

SUBMITTER: Fontanillas P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2098804 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature