Horizontal transfer of retrotransposons between bivalves and other aquatic species of multiple phyla.

ABSTRACT: The LTR retrotransposon Steamer is a selfish endogenous element in the soft-shell clam genome that was first detected because of its dramatic amplification in bivalve transmissible neoplasia afflicting the species. We amplified and sequenced related retrotransposons from the genomic DNA of many other bivalve species, finding evidence of horizontal transfer of retrotransposons from the genome of one species to another. First, the phylogenetic tree of the Steamer-like elements from 19 bivalve species is markedly discordant with host phylogeny, suggesting frequent cross-species transfer throughout bivalve evolution. Second, sequences nearly identical to Steamer were identified in the genomes of Atlantic razor clams and Baltic clams, indicating recent transfer. Finally, a search of the Nationa

SUBMITTER: Metzger MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5939071 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature