Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

12 p.

Publication Date

8-2003

Publisher

American Society for Microbiology

Source Publication

Eukaryotic Cell

Source ISSN

1535-9778

Original Item ID

doi: 10.1128/EC.2.4.678-689.2003

Abstract

Tlr elements are a novel family of ~30 putative mobile genetic elements that are confined to the germ line micronuclear genome in Tetrahymena thermophila. Thousands of diverse germ line-limited sequences, including the Tlr elements, are specifically eliminated from the differentiating somatic macronucleus. Macronucleusretained sequences flanking deleted regions are known to contain cis-acting signals that delineate elimination boundaries. It is unclear whether sequences within deleted DNA also play a regulatory role in the elimination process. In the current study, an in vivo DNA rearrangement assay was used to identify internal sequences required in cis for the elimination of Tlr elements. Multiple, nonoverlapping regions from the ~23-kb Tlr elements were independently sufficient to stimulate developmentally regulated DNA elimination when placed within the context of flanking sequences from the most thoroughly characterized family member, Tlr1. Replacement of element DNA with macronuclear or foreign DNA abolished elimination activity. Thus, diverse sequences dispersed throughout Tlr DNA contain cis-acting signals that target these elements for programmed elimination. Surprisingly, Tlr DNA was also efficiently deleted when Tlr1 flanking sequences were replaced with DNA from a region of the genome that is not normally associated with rearrangement, suggesting that specific flanking sequences are not required for the elimination of Tlr element DNA.

Comments

Published version. Eukaryotic Cell, Vol. 2, No. 4 (August 2003): 678-689. DOI. © 2003 American Society for Microbiology. Used with permission.

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