Identification of an integrase-independent pathway of retrotransposition

Li, Feng; Lee, Michael; Esnault, Caroline; Wendover, Katie; Guo, Yabin; Atkins, Paul C.; Zaratiegui, Mikel; Levin, Henry L.

doi:10.1126/sciadv.abm9390

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 80 publications

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“…Interestingly, a recent study has demonstrated the capability of the fission yeast Tf1 LTR retrotransposon to transpose through an integrase-independent pathway. In this system, Tf1 transposition occurs by homologous recombination mediated by the single-strand annealing protein Rad52 and not by canonical homologous recombination that would require Rad51, resulting predominantly in insertions within existing copies of related elements [58]. Rad52 homologs were identified in gymnosperms, monocots, and dicots [59] and could promote the integration of ECVs by a similar homologous recombination mechanism.…”

Section: Mechanisms Of Integrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Endogenous Caulimovirids: Fossils, Zombies, and Living in Plant Genomes

et al. 2023

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The Caulimoviridae is a family of double-stranded DNA viruses that infect plants. The genomes of most vascular plants contain endogenous caulimovirids (ECVs), a class of repetitive DNA elements that is abundant in some plant genomes, resulting from the integration of viral DNA in the chromosomes of germline cells during episodes of infection that have sometimes occurred millions of years ago. In this review, we reflect on 25 years of research on ECVs that has shown that members of the Caulimoviridae have occupied an unprecedented range of ecological niches over time and shed light on their diversity and macroevolution. We highlight gaps in knowledge and prospects of future research fueled by increased access to plant genome sequence data and new tools for genome annotation for addressing the extent, impact, and role of ECVs on plant biology and the origin and evolutionary trajectories of the Caulimoviridae.

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Section: Mechanisms Of Integrationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Endogenous Caulimovirids: Fossils, Zombies, and Living in Plant Genomes

et al. 2023

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“…In addition to the above mentioned roles, Rad52 regulates the extent of DNA resection during HR by regulating the Rqh1 helicase in fission yeast 46 . Furthermore, Rad52 functions in other processes such as regulating retrotransposition 47 , CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing 48 , and IgD class-switch recombination 49 . Given the emerging multifaceted functions of Rad52, knowledge of it functions and mechanism of action is critical.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Yeast Rad52 is a homodecamer and possesses BRCA2-like bipartite Rad51 binding modes

Deveryshetty,

Chadda,

Mattice

et al. 2023

Nat Commun

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Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential double-stranded DNA break repair pathway. In HR, Rad52 facilitates the formation of Rad51 nucleoprotein filaments on RPA-coated ssDNA. Here, we decipher how Rad52 functions using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy and biophysical approaches. We report that Rad52 is a homodecameric ring and each subunit possesses an ordered N-terminal and disordered C-terminal half. An intrinsic structural asymmetry is observed where a few of the C-terminal halves interact with the ordered ring. We describe two conserved charged patches in the C-terminal half that harbor Rad51 and RPA interacting motifs. Interactions between these patches regulate ssDNA binding. Surprisingly, Rad51 interacts with Rad52 at two different bindings sites: one within the positive patch in the disordered C-terminus and the other in the ordered ring. We propose that these features drive Rad51 nucleation onto a single position on the DNA to promote formation of uniform pre-synaptic Rad51 filaments in HR.

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The role of LTR retrotransposons in plant genetic engineering: how to control their transposition in the genome

Ramakrishnan

Papolu

Mullasseri³

et al. 2022

Plant Cell Rep

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Key message We briefly discuss that the similarity of LTR retrotransposons to retroviruses is a great opportunity for the development of a genetic engineering tool that exploits intragenic elements in the plant genome for plant genetic improvement. Abstract Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are very similar to retroviruses but do not have the property of being infectious. While spreading between its host cells, a retrovirus inserts a DNA copy of its genome into the cells. The ability of retroviruses to cause infection with genome integration allows genes to be delivered to cells and tissues. Retrovirus vectors are, however, only specific to animals and insects, and, thus, are not relevant to plant genetic engineering. However, the similarity of LTR retrotransposons to retroviruses is an opportunity to explore the former as a tool for genetic engineering. Although recent long-read sequencing technologies have advanced the knowledge about transposable elements (TEs), the integration of TEs is still unable either to control them or to direct them to specific genomic locations. The use of existing intragenic elements to achieve the desired genome composition is better than using artificial constructs like vectors, but it is not yet clear how to control the process. Moreover, most LTR retrotransposons are inactive and unable to produce complete proteins. They are also highly mutable. In addition, it is impossible to find a full active copy of a LTR retrotransposon out of thousands of its own copies. Theoretically, if these elements were directly controlled and turned on or off using certain epigenetic mechanisms (inducing by stress or infection), LTR retrotransposons could be a great opportunity to develop a genetic engineering tool using intragenic elements in the plant genome. In this review, the recent developments in uncovering the nature of LTR retrotransposons and the possibility of using these intragenic elements as a tool for plant genetic engineering are briefly discussed.

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Identification of an integrase-independent pathway of retrotransposition

Cited by 5 publications

References 80 publications

Endogenous Caulimovirids: Fossils, Zombies, and Living in Plant Genomes

Endogenous Caulimovirids: Fossils, Zombies, and Living in Plant Genomes

Yeast Rad52 is a homodecamer and possesses BRCA2-like bipartite Rad51 binding modes

The role of LTR retrotransposons in plant genetic engineering: how to control their transposition in the genome

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