Transposable Elements and Genome Evolution (ISTE Consignment)

by: Aurélie Hua-Van (Editor),Pierre Capy (Editor)

Publisher: Wiley-ISTE

Edition: 1st

Publication Date: 2024/9/18

Language: English

Print Length: 304 pages

ISBN-10: 1789451787

ISBN-13: 9781789451788

Book Description

Since their discovery by Barbara McClintock in the mid-20th century, the importance of transposable elements in shaping the architecture, function and evolution of genomes has gradually been unveiled.These DNA sequences populate nearly all genomes and are viewed as genomic parasites. They are mobile, capable of proliferating within genomes and also commonly travel between species.These elements are mutagenic and are responsible for several human genetic disorders, but they also constitute a major source of genetic diversity. Some insertions have beneficial effects for the host and are selected for, giving rise to significant evolutionary innovations. Their dynamics within genomes are intricate, as are their interactions with other genome components. To limit their proliferation, the genome has evolved sophisticated defense mechanisms.While researchers commonly use these elements as genetic tools, their identification in newly sequenced genomes remains a challenge due not only to their extensive diversity, but also their large copy numbers.

About the Author

Since their discovery by Barbara McClintock in the mid-20th century, the importance of transposable elements in shaping the architecture, function and evolution of genomes has gradually been unveiled.These DNA sequences populate nearly all genomes and are viewed as genomic parasites. They are mobile, capable of proliferating within genomes and also commonly travel between species.These elements are mutagenic and are responsible for several human genetic disorders, but they also constitute a major source of genetic diversity. Some insertions have beneficial effects for the host and are selected for, giving rise to significant evolutionary innovations. Their dynamics within genomes are intricate, as are their interactions with other genome components. To limit their proliferation, the genome has evolved sophisticated defense mechanisms.While researchers commonly use these elements as genetic tools, their identification in newly sequenced genomes remains a challenge due not only to their extensive diversity, but also their large copy numbers.