Transposable elements in vertebrates: species evolution and environmental adaptation

Abstract

The evolutionary success of species is strictly related to their genome in terms of composition and functionality. Transposable elements (TEs) represent a considerable fraction of the nuclear DNA content, and given to their ability to spread throughout the genome, they are able to create genetic diversity at sequence, gene structure, and chromosome level. Vertebrates represent a highly successful taxon and its lineages are characterized by a variable TE content suggesting a different impact on the genome. In this manuscript, we highlight the importance of TEs in creating new regulatory sequences and genetic innovations extremely useful for diversification of vertebrates. Moreover, an increasing number of evidence suggests a link between TEs and environment. Indeed, given the richness of species adapted to a wide range of habitats and conditions, vertebrates are exposed to several ecological pressures with consequent effects on evolutionary adaptation.

Keywords

• transposable elements
• vertebrate
• evolution
• environment