How mutagenic are transposable elements?

doi:10.1016/j.tig.2026.08.006

How mutagenic are transposable elements?

2026-09-29

0

PRE

AI

DOI：10.1016/j.tig.2026.08.006

Original

Original request for help

Save

Abstract

En 中文

Rates of transposable element movement are high, often generating variation at a much faster rate than more well-studied forms of mutation, such as base substitutions. Rates are highly variable among transposable element types, hosts, and environmental conditions. Broad patterns do not support initial predictions, but comparing rates is difficult because many different methods are used to assay activity. Rates are a trait which vary based on transposable element type and the genomic/cellular/external environment. The ways evolutionary forces shape this trait are poorly understood and will, in part, be determined by the phenotypic consequences of individual transposable elements and the population genetic constraints on their hosts. Studying transposable element mutation rates is key to understanding the pace at which mobile DNA generates genetic variation, contributes to regulatory functions or produces novel phenotypes, and shapes genome evolution.

Keywords:

mobile DNA

mobile genetic elements

transposons

retrotransposons

transposition rate

excision rate

How mutagenic are transposable elements?

Abstract

Journal

Organization

Cited Papers