摘要
Transposable elements(TEs), originally discovered in maize as controlling elements, are the main components of most eukaryotic genomes. TEs have been regarded as deleterious genomic parasites due to their ability to undergo massive amplification. However, TEs can regulate gene expression and alter phenotypes. Also, emerging findings demonstrate that TEs can establish and rewire gene regulatory networks by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the key roles of TEs in fine-tuning the regulation of gene expression leading to phenotypic plasticity in plants and humans, and the implications for adaption and natural selection.
Transposable elements （TEs）, originally discovered in maize as controlling elements, are the main components of most eukar- yotic genomes. TEs have been regarded as deleterious genomic parasites due to their ability to undergo massive amplification. However, TEs can regulate gene expression and alter phenotypes. Also, emerging findings demonstrate that TEs can establish and rewire gene regulatory networks by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the key roles of TEs in fine-tuning the regulation of gene expression leading to phenotypic plasticity in plants and humans, and the implications for adaption and natural selection.
基金
supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31210103901
31123007)
the National Basic Research Program of China(2013CB835200)
the State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics(2015B0129-01)
Liya Wei was supported by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2015M570170)
