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[Hoppel-family of mobile elements of Drosophila melanogaster, flanked by short inverted repeats and having preferential localization in the heterochromatin regions of the genome].

A mobile element (ME) having 91% homology with Dm1360 (Kholodilov et al., 1987) has been cloned from the Drosophila melanogaster genome and sequenced. The family of ME was designated hoppel. The members of this family are flanked by short inverted repeats likewise P, hobo and HB. The hoppel is hybridized with 10-30 euchromatic sites of polytene chromosomes of different Drosophila stocks. Abundant hybridization with heterochromatic regions of chromosomes-chromocenter, pericentric heterochromatin, the 4 chromosome and telomeres was observed in all stocks of D. melanogaster examined and in D. simulans. At least six genomic variants of ME differing in length of the central part were revealed. Hoppel possesses ARS activity similar to the P element. Two ME hoppel were shown to be arranged as a direct repeat in the recombinant phage.

Animals↗

[Genetic structure of mobile elements of the "Penelope" family in closely related Drosophila species].

Genomic libraries were obtained from species belonging to the "virilis" group of Drosophila. Several copies of Penelope elements were isolated from these libraries by using a D. virilis Penelope clone as a probe. The elements were sequenced, and their structure was determined. The geographical distribution of this family of mobile elements in closely related species of the group was studied in detail. Cytological localization of the elements was also carried out. The high variability observed between different copies of Penelope is probably due to recombination between individual copies. The role of these elements in the evolution of closely related species is discussed.

Animals↗

[The unusual mobile element Penelope and its behavior in distant Drosophila species].

The retroelement Penelope isolated from Drosophila virilis has a very unusual structure and codes for reverse transcriptase and an endonuclease belonging to the UvrC type. As shown previously, Penelope is a key element in induction of the hybrid dysgenesis syndrome described in D. virilis, which also involves mobilization of several unrelated mobile element families. Here we report a successful introduction of Penelope into the D. melanogaster genome by P element-mediated transformation. In the new host genome, Penelope is actively transcribed producing major transcript which coincides with that detected in dysgenic hybrids of D. virilis. In situ hybridization on D. melanogaster polytene chromosomes and Southern blotting revealed multiple transpositions of Penelope in the transformed D. melanogaster strains. We determined the structure of six Penelope copies inserted into D. melanogaster chromosomes. Some transformed D. melanogaster strains showed dysgenesis effects similar to those observed in hybrids from D. virilis dysgenic crosses.

Animals↗

Element mobility during metasomatism of granitic rocks in the Saint-Chély d'Apcher area (Lozère, France).

This paper summarises the behaviour of major and trace elements during hydrothermal alteration processes in the Vareilles albite deposit, Saint-Chély d' Apcher area (Lozère, France). Sampling focused mainly on fine- to medium-grained two-mica granite facies surrounding albitite veins in two open pits. The primary chemical variability inherent in sampling parent rock and analytical uncertainties can seriously affect element mobility calculations. Here we present a simple model that allows to discriminate between magmatic and alteration effects and to make a proper evaluation of the chemical changes that have caused the alteration. For this reason, a range of unaltered granites and albitites were sampled to evaluate the degree of parent rock heterogeneity. Duplicate measurements were performed by epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) to obtain a reliable mean concentration for trace elements and to evaluate results reproducibility. ENAA measurements are completed by analysis of major elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The enrichment or depletion of an element during alteration, relative to its concentration in fresh parent rock, can be calculated on the basis of the assumed immobility of some elements during the process. In this study, we have assumed Ta as immobile element on the basis for his inert behaviour. The distinct differences in chemical change between altered and unaltered granite suggest the need to consider alteration event as an important parameter in evaluating granitic rocks for nuclear waste disposal.

Environmental Monitoring↗

Tn5386, a novel Tn916-like mobile element in Enterococcus faecium D344R that interacts with Tn916 to yield a large genomic deletion.

We describe Tn5386, a novel ca.-29-kb Tn916-like mobile element discovered to occur in ampicillin-resistant, Tn916-containing Enterococcus faecium D344R. PCR amplification experiments after overnight growth with or without tetracycline revealed "joint" regions of circularized Tn5386 composed of 6-bp sequences linking different transposon termini. In one case (no tetracycline), the termini were consistent with those derived by target site analysis of the integrated element. In the other case, the termini were virtually identical in distance from the integrase binding regions, as seen with Tn916. These data are consistent with a model in which one PCR product results from the action of Tn5386 integrase, whereas the other results from the action of the Tn916 integrase on Tn5386. Spontaneous conversion of D344R to an ampicillin-susceptible phenotype (D344SRF) was associated with a 178-kb deletion extending from the left end of Tn5386 to the left end of Tn916. Examination of the Tn5386 junction after the large deletion event suggests that the deletion resulted from an interaction between the nonintegrase ends of Tn5386 and Tn916. The terminus of Tn5386 identified in this reaction suggested that it may have resulted from the activity of the Tn916 integrase (Int(Tn916)). The "joint" of the circular element resulting from this excision was amplifiable from D344R, the sequence of which revealed a heteroduplex consistent with Int(Tn916)-mediated excision. In contrast, Tn5386 joints amplified from ampicillin-susceptible D344SRF revealed ends consistent with Tn5386 integrase activity, reflecting the absence of Tn916 from this strain. Tn5386 represents a new member of the Tn916 transposon family. Our data suggest that excision of Tn5386 can be catalyzed by the Tn916 integrase and that large genomic deletions may result from the interaction between these heterologous elements.

Ampicillin Resistance↗

[Interaction of mobile elements P and mdg3 in Drosophila melanogaster: genetic aspects].

It was found earlier that two unstable sn mutants isolated from natural populations are connected with insertion of mobile element mdg3 into the 7D1-2 region where singed gene (1-21.0) is localised. From two original sn mutants, a series of unstable sn alleles, both mutant and normal for phenotype, was extracted. Then we studied, how they change the mutation rate in germinal and somatic cells of different hybrids with pi 2 stock having P cytotype and active P elements in the chromosomes. Addition of P chromosomes, independently of the background of cytoplasm, proved to reduce the sn instability. The level of sn mutability was decreased with increasing the dose of P chromosomes. It is suggested that mutation events are caused by transposition of mdg3 and that both mdg3 and P elements compete for the same cellular factor, capable of activation of transposition process.

Alleles↗

Mobile elements and the genesis of microsatellites in dipterans.

Factors that influence the genesis and genomic distribution of microsatellite DNA are poorly understood. We have identified a novel class of Dipteran mobile elements, mini-me elements, which help elucidate both of these issues. These retroposons contain two internal proto-microsatellite regions that commonly expand into lengthy microsatellite repeats. These elements are highly abundant, accounting for approximately 1.2% of the Drosophila melanogaster genome, giving them the potential to be a prolific source of microsatellite DNA variation. They also give us the opportunity to observe the outcomes of multiple microsatellite genesis events (initiating from the same proto-microsatellite) at separate mini-me loci. Based on these observations, we determined that the genesis of microsatellites within mini-me elements occurs through two separate mutational processes: the expansion of preexisting tandem repeats and the conversion of sequence with high cryptic simplicity into tandemly repetitive DNA. These modes of microsatellite genesis can be generalized beyond the case of mini-me elements and help to explain the genesis of microsatellites in any sequence region that is not constrained by selection.

Animals↗

Mobile components associated with rapidly developing mitral annulus calcification in patients with chronic renal failure: review of mobile elements associated with mitral annulus calcification.

Mitral annulus calcification may directly cause cerebrovascular accidents by serving as a source of calcific or thrombotic emboli. This hypothesis has been supported by recent reports of mobile components associated with mitral annulus calcification detected by echocardiography. Cardiovascular calcifications, including mitral annulus calcification, are common in end-stage renal disease and may develop and progress over a short period of time. We report two patients with mobile components associated with mitral annulus calcification and end-stage renal disease. Serial echocardiography documented that the mitral annulus calcification in these two patients had developed rapidly. Follow-up echocardiography in one patient demonstrated resolution of the mobile elements.

Calcinosis↗

Drosophila melanogaster mutations suppressible by the suppressor of Hairy-wing are insertions of a 7.3-kilobase mobile element.

Certain spontaneous mutations of Drosophila melanogaster are suppressed by su(Hw), the suppressor of Hairy-wing (3R-54.8). We find that mutations suppressible by su(Hw) result from insertions of a mobile element at the affected loci. The element, named gypsy, is approximately 7.3 kilobases long and includes 0.5-kilobase direct terminal repeats. It was first identified in DNA cloned from the bithorax chromosomal region of several Drosophila stocks carrying suppressible mutations of the bithorax complex. Cloned gypsy DNA was used as a probe to test for the association of gypsy with suppressible mutations at various other loci by hybridization in situ. Gypsy was found to be associated with 19 suppressible alleles at 10 different loci: yellow, Hairy-wing, scute, diminutive, cut, lozenge, forked, Beadex, hairy, and the bithorax complex. It was found with wild-type or nonsuppressible mutations at any of these loci. Gypsy DNA was also used as a probe to clone the element and adjacent unique DNA from the loci of some suppressible mutations. This confirmed the presence of the full-length element and also provided cloned DNA from the previously uncloned loci scute and cut. The suppressor of Hairy-wing is generally recessive and behaves as a null mutation. Thus, the disruption of normal gene function caused by the inserted gypsy element appears to require some product of the wild-type suppressor gene, su(Hw)+.

Animals↗

Behavior of restriction-modification systems as selfish mobile elements and their impact on genome evolution.

Restriction-modification (RM) systems are composed of genes that encode a restriction enzyme and a modification methylase. RM systems sometimes behave as discrete units of life, like viruses and transposons. RM complexes attack invading DNA that has not been properly modified and thus may serve as a tool of defense for bacterial cells. However, any threat to their maintenance, such as a challenge by a competing genetic element (an incompatible plasmid or an allelic homologous stretch of DNA, for example) can lead to cell death through restriction breakage in the genome. This post-segregational or post-disturbance cell killing may provide the RM complexes (and any DNA linked with them) with a competitive advantage. There is evidence that they have undergone extensive horizontal transfer between genomes, as inferred from their sequence homology, codon usage bias and GC content difference. They are often linked with mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, viruses, transposons and integrons. The comparison of closely related bacterial genomes also suggests that, at times, RM genes themselves behave as mobile elements and cause genome rearrangements. Indeed some bacterial genomes that survived post-disturbance attack by an RM gene complex in the laboratory have experienced genome rearrangements. The avoidance of some restriction sites by bacterial genomes may result from selection by past restriction attacks. Both bacteriophages and bacteria also appear to use homologous recombination to cope with the selfish behavior of RM systems. RM systems compete with each other in several ways. One is competition for recognition sequences in post-segregational killing. Another is super-infection exclusion, that is, the killing of the cell carrying an RM system when it is infected with another RM system of the same regulatory specificity but of a different sequence specificity. The capacity of RM systems to act as selfish, mobile genetic elements may underlie the structure and function of RM enzymes.

Base Sequence↗

[Effect of the mobile element jockey on the suppression of insertion mutations in the cut locus of Drosophila melanogaster].

The data are reported on suppression of mutations at the cut locus induced by a mdg4 insertion carrying the other mobile element, "jockey". All mutations containing mdg4 with the jockey (ctMRpN) are suppressed by a classic suppressor su(Hw)2 and two new alleles obtained in this work. The extent of suppression increases, depending on the orientation of the jockey in mdg4 up to the point, when su(Hw) alleles known as recessive become semi-dominant. The jockey and mdg4 have been also found to influence the locus transcription in the norm and in case of suppression.

Alleles↗

Autonomous transposition of gypsy mobile elements and genetic instability in Drosophila melanogaster.

The laboratory mutator strain (MS) of Drosophila melanogaster is characterized by an elevated frequency of spontaneous mutation (10(-3)-10(-4). Mutations occur in both sexes at premeiotic stages of germ cell development. The increased mutability is a characteristic feature of MS itself, since it appears in the absence of outcrossing. Most of the mutations arising in this strain are unstable: reversions to wild type, high frequency mutation to new mutant states and replicating instability were observed. We have investigated the localization of the transposable genetic elements mdg1, 412, mdg3, gypsy (mdg4), copia and P in the X chromosomes of the MS and in the mutant lines y, ct, sbt derived from it by in situ hybridization. The P element was not found in any of these strains. The distributions of mdg1, 412, mdg3 and copia were identical in the X chromosomes of the MS and its derivatives. However, the sites of hybridization with gypsy differ in the various lines tested. In the polytene chromosomes of MS animals significant variation in location and number of copies of the gypsy element was demonstrated between different larvae; copy numbers as high as 30-40 were observed. These results suggest autonomous transposition of gypsy in the MS genome while several other mobile elements remain stable.

Animals↗

Oncoviral DNAs induce transposition of endogenous mobile elements in the genome of Drosophila melanogaster.

Previously, we have shown that particles of Rous sarcoma virus or cloned fragments of RSV cDNA as well as DNA of oncogenic simian adenovirus Sa7, injected into the polar plasm of early Drosophila melanogaster embryos, were able to induce, with high frequency, unstable visible mutations in different groups of genetic loci. The genetic instability of the recovered mutations, i.e., their ability to revert to normal state or to generate new mutant alleles at the affected locus, was manifest in mutant lines through several generations. The molecular analysis undertaken in this study of the yellow-scute loci region which is highly sensitive to the microinjected Sa7 DNA, and of the white locus, that frequently mutates under the influence of RSV cDNA, clearly shows that the induced mutations and reversions are accompanied by insertion/excision of endogenous mobile elements. This conclusion is confirmed by in situ hybridization experiments which demonstrate that the adenovirus DNA is able to change, though with different efficiency, the chromosomal localization of certain Drosophila retrotransposons. These results partially elucidate the molecular mechanism of the genetic instability in D. melanogaster induced by microinjection of oncoviruses into early embryos, implying that is results from mobilization of endogenous transposons which play the role of insertional elements directly causing unstable mutations.

Adenoviruses, Simian↗

Birth of a chimeric primate gene by capture of the transposase gene from a mobile element.

The emergence of new genes and functions is of central importance to the evolution of species. The contribution of various types of duplications to genetic innovation has been extensively investigated. Less understood is the creation of new genes by recycling of coding material from selfish mobile genetic elements. To investigate this process, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of SETMAR, a new primate chimeric gene resulting from fusion of a SET histone methyltransferase gene to the transposase gene of a mobile element. We show that the transposase gene was recruited as part of SETMAR 40-58 million years ago, after the insertion of an Hsmar1 transposon downstream of a preexisting SET gene, followed by the de novo exonization of previously noncoding sequence and the creation of a new intron. The original structure of the fusion gene is conserved in all anthropoid lineages, but only the N-terminal half of the transposase is evolving under strong purifying selection. In vitro assays show that this region contains a DNA-binding domain that has preserved its ancestral binding specificity for a 19-bp motif located within the terminal-inverted repeats of Hsmar1 transposons and their derivatives. The presence of these transposons in the human genome constitutes a potential reservoir of approximately 1,500 perfect or nearly perfect SETMAR-binding sites. Our results not only provide insight into the conditions required for a successful gene fusion, but they also suggest a mechanism by which the circuitry underlying complex regulatory networks may be rapidly established.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

[Genetic instability and transposition of mobile element mdg4 in a mutator strain of Drosophila melanogaster].

Laboratory mutator strain of Drosophila melanogaster is characterized by increased (up to 10(-3)-10(-4) frequency of spontaneous mutability. Mutations appear in premeiotic stages of gametes development. The majority of mutations were unstable (high frequencies of reversions, appearance of new mutations at the same and other loci, replicating instability). Localization of mobile elements mdg1, mdg2, mdg3, mdg4, copia and P element in X chromosomes of mutator individuals and its mutations y, ct, sbt was studied by hybridization in situ. In all strains P element was absent. The distribution of mdg1, mdg2, mdg3 and copia was identical in mutator strains and its derivatives, but distribution of mdg4 was different. The essential heterogeneity in localization of mdg4 and increased (up to 30-40) copy number in the mutator strain individuals was observed. The ability of single element mdg4 to autonomous transpositions was thus shown.

Animals↗

Geographic distribution of a large mobile element that transfers ampicillin and vancomycin resistance between Enterococcus faecium strains.

In several clonally unrelated VanB-type vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains, we demonstrated a common physical relationship between pbp5 and Tn5382 as well as common mutations within pbp5. The majority of these strains transferred vancomycin and ampicillin resistance to E. faecium in vitro, suggesting the dissemination of similar transferable pbp5-vanB-containing mobile elements throughout the United States.

Ampicillin Resistance↗

Genetic and molecular investigations on the endogenous mobile elements of non-drosophilid fruitflies.

A syndrome of abnormal genetic effects, resembling Drosophila hybrid dysgenesis, occurs in Ceratitis capitata when strains of different origin are mated. The pattern of abnormal traits observed appears to be the phenotypic expression of a complex interacting dysgenic system of inducer and suppressor effects; probably more than one system is activated in the crosses. This suggests that different systems of mobile elements occur in different strains and populations of C. capitata. Using a PCR primer specific to the ITR sequence of a deleted element, full length mariner elements were isolated from C. capitata, Ceratitis rosa, and Trirhithrum coffeae. Very high similarities were found in inter- and intraspecific comparisons of the elements. The majority of these elements contained deletions and frame-shifts. However, one clone Ccmar1.18, from C. capitata, was found to possess an uninterrupted ORF coding for 338 amino acids with approximately 60% similarity to the Mos1 element of Drosophila mauritiana. Database searches and phylogenetic analyses showed that the mariner elements isolated in the present study are representatives of Robertson's mellifera mariner subfamily. The copy numbers of the elements within each species are very different, ranging from about 10 in T. coffeae to 5000 in C. rosa.

Animals↗

[Participation of mobile element hobo in transposition events in the long-term instability system of Drosophila melanogaster].

The lines with an active hobo elements as well as those without any hobo fragments were hybridized with the y2sc1waG line. This resulted in the appearance of a number of mutations at the white, miniature, and some other loci. The authors analysed, in which way the hobo transposable elements take part in mutagenesis in these crosses. Most of the white mutants obtained were analysed and transpositions of hobo and Stalker elements were demonstrated. Both independent and simultaneous transpositions were found. It was shown by means of the Southern blot analysis that additional hobo or Stalker insertion into or close to the parental unknown waG insertion resulted in mutant white phenotype's shift toward both extreme and partial reversion. Possible participation in mutagenesis of other mobile elements is also under debate.

Animals↗