DNA transposons have colonized the genome of the giant virus Pandoravirus salinus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Transposable elements are mobile DNA sequences that are widely distributed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, where they represent a major force in genome evolution. However, transposable elements have rarely been documented in viruses, and their contribution to viral genome evolution remains largely unexplored. Pandoraviruses are recently described DNA viruses with genome sizes that exceed those of some prokaryotes, rivaling parasitic eukaryotes. These large genomes appear to include substantial noncoding intergenic spaces, which provide potential locations for transposable element insertions. However, no mobile genetic elements have yet been reported in pandoravirus genomes.

Results

Here, we report a family of miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements

SUBMITTER: Sun C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4495683 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature