Movements of transposable elements contribute to the genomic plasticity and species diversification in an asexually reproducing nematode pest.

ABSTRACT: Despite reproducing without sexual recombination, Meloidogyne incognita is an adaptive and versatile phytoparasitic nematode. This species displays a global distribution, can parasitize a large range of plants, and can overcome plant resistance in a few generations. The mechanisms underlying this adaptability remain poorly known. At the whole-genome level, only a few single nucleotide variations have been observed across different geographical isolates with distinct ranges of compatible hosts. Exploring other factors possibly involved in genomic plasticity is thus important. Transposable elements (TEs), by their repetitive nature and mobility, can passively and actively impact the genome dynamics. This is particularly expected in polyploid hybrid genomes such as the one of M.

SUBMITTER: Kozlowski DKL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8288018 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature