摘要
Mutator(Mu)转座子是植物中已发现的转座最活跃的转座子,其高的转座频率及趋向于单拷贝功能基因转座的特性,使该转座子成为玉米功能基因克隆的主要方法。Mu转座子的同源类似因子广泛存在于被子植物基因组中,而且同一基因组中往往具有多种变异类型。它不仅具有其他DNA转座子在基因和基因组进化中的普遍作用,而且具有能够承载基因组内功能基因和基因片段的载体功能,这种载体Mu转座子(Pack-MuLEs)能够在基因组内移动众多的基因片段,从而对基因和基因组进化产生作用。Mu转座子的同源序列发生在水稻与狗尾草之间的水平转移提供了高等植物核基因水平转移的首个例证。对Mu转座子的了解促进了我们对动态基因组概念的认识。文章对Mutator转座子的发现、转座特征、基因标签应用等的研究进展进行了综述,对Mu转座子家族的同源序列进行了分类,讨论了该转座子在基因组进化中的作用,分析了应加强研究的问题。
Mutator （Mu） is by far the most mutagenic plant transposon. The high frequency of transposition and the tendency to insert into low copy sequences for such transposon have made it the primary means by which genes are mutagenized in maize （Zea mays L.）. Mus like elements （MULEs） are widespread among angiosperms and multiple-diverged functional variants can be present in a single genome. MULEs often capture genetic sequences. These Pack-MuLEs can mobilize thousands of gene fragments, which may have had a significant impact on host genome evolution. There is also evidence that MULEs can move between reproductively isolated species. Here we present an overview of the discovery, features and utility of Mu transposon. Classification of Mu elements and future directions of related research are also discussed. Understanding Mu will help us elucidate the dynamic genome.
基金
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30370766).
