R2 Retrotransposon Activity in Drosophila simulans Populations
Author Information
Author(s): Zhou Jun, Eickbush Thomas H., Petrov Dmitri A.
Primary Institution: University of Rochester
Hypothesis
The pattern and frequency of R2 retrotransposon activity in natural populations of Drosophila simulans are influenced by the dynamics of the rDNA locus.
Conclusion
R2 activity in Drosophila simulans is linked to the distribution of R2-inserted units within the rDNA locus rather than the number of insertions or the size of the locus.
Supporting Evidence
- About half of the rDNA loci supported no or very low levels of R2 transcripts.
- The remaining half had R2 transcripts that varied over almost a 100-fold range.
- R2 activity was best correlated with the distribution of elements within the rDNA locus.
- Frequent recombination within the rDNA locus redistributes R2-inserted units.
- R2 transcript levels were monitored in RNA isolated from adult females.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a specific genetic element, R2, behaves in natural fruit fly populations, finding that its activity depends on where it is located in the DNA rather than how many copies there are.
Methodology
The study involved sampling rDNA loci from two natural populations of Drosophila simulans and analyzing R2 transcript levels and retrotransposition activity.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of specific lines for analysis.
Limitations
The study was limited to two populations and may not represent all Drosophila simulans populations.
Participant Demographics
Drosophila simulans collected from San Diego and Atlanta.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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