Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
14 p.
Publication Date
6-1-2002
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Source Publication
Nucleic Acids Research
Source ISSN
0305-1048
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1093/nar/30.11.2524; PubMed Central, PMCID: PMC117186
Abstract
In the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila, extensive DNA elimination is associated with differentiation of the somatic macronucleus from the germline micronucleus. This study describes the isolation and complete characterization of Tlr elements, a family of approximately 30 micronuclear DNA sequences that are efficiently eliminated from the developing macronucleus. The data indicate that Tlr elements are comprised of an ~22 kb internal region flanked by complex and variable termini. The Tlr internal region is highly conserved among family members and contains 15 open reading frames, some of which resemble genes encoded by transposons and viruses. The Tlr termini appear to be long inverted repeats consisting of (i) a variable region containing multiple direct repeats which differ in number and sequence from element to element and (ii) a conserved terminal 47 bp sequence. Taken together, these results suggest that Tlr elements comprise a novel family of mobile genetic elements that are confined to the Tetrahymena germline genome. Possible mechanisms of developmentally programmed Tlr elimination are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Wuitschick, Jeffrey D.; Gershan, Jill A.; Lochowicz, Andrew J.; Li, Shuqiang; and Karrer, Kathleen M., "A Novel Family of Mobile Genetic Elements Is Limited to the Germline Genome in Tetrahymena Thermophila" (2002). Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications. 59.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bio_fac/59
Comments
Published version. Nucleic Acids Research, Vol. 30, No. 11 (June 2002): 2524-2537. DOI. © 2002 Oxford University Press. Used with permission.