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Free keywords:
RAYTs, REP-associated tyrosine transposase, transposase, MITE, miniature inverted-repeat transposable element,transposon, repetitive sequences
Abstract:
Repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) sequences are a ubiquitous feature of bacterial genomes. Recent work showsthat REPs are remnants of a larger mobile genetic element termed a REPIN. REPINs consists of two REP sequences ininverted orientation separated by a spacer region and are thought to be non-autonomous mobile genetic elements thatexploit the transposase encoded by REP-Associated tYrosine Transposases (RAYTs). Complimentarity between the twoends of the REPIN suggests that the element forms hairpin structures in single stranded DNA or RNA. In addition toREPINs, other more complex arrangements of REPs have been identified in bacterial genomes, including the genome ofthe model organismPseudomonas fluorescensSBW25. Here, we summarize existing knowledge and present new dataconcerning REPIN diversity. We also consider factors affecting the evolution of REPIN diversity, the ease with whichREPINs might be co-opted by host genomes and the consequences of REPIN activity for the structure of bacterialgenomes.
(c) 2011 Landes Bioscience
