Exceptional diversity, non-random distribution, and rapid evolution of retroelements in the B73 maize genome.

ABSTRACT: Recent comprehensive sequence analysis of the maize genome now permits detailed discovery and description of all transposable elements (TEs) in this complex nuclear environment. Reiteratively optimized structural and homology criteria were used in the computer-assisted search for retroelements, TEs that transpose by reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate, with the final results verified by manual inspection. Retroelements were found to occupy the majority (>75%) of the nuclear genome in maize inbred B73. Unprecedented genetic diversity was discovered in the long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon class of retroelements, with >400 families (>350 newly discovered) contributing >31,000 intact elements. The two other classes of retroelements, SINEs (four families) and LINEs (at least

SUBMITTER: Baucom RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2774510 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature