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Distribution of the Transposable Element Minos in the Genus Drosophila

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Abstract

We analyzed 28 species of the genus Drosophilafor the presence of the Tc1-like transposable element Minosusing Southern blot hybridization under high stringency conditions. The Minostransposon was found in members of both the Drosophilaand the Sophophorasubgenus showing a distribution that is wider if compared to other well-studied Drosophilatransposons such as the Pelement, hoboand mariner. The presence of Minos-hybridizing sequences was discontinuous in the Sophophorasubgenus, especially in the melanogasterspecies group. Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction we amplified a portion corresponding to the putative Minostransposase from different Drosophilaspecies. Cloning and sequence analysis of randomly selected Minoscopies from D. mojavensisis, D. saltansand D. willistonisupports the idea that event(s) of horizontal transfer may have contributed to the spreading of this transposon in the Drosophilagenus.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, P.O. Box 1527, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Bruno Arcà

  2. Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, P.O. Box 1527, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Charalambos Savakis

  3. Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Charalambos Savakis

Authors
  1. Bruno Arcà
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  2. Charalambos Savakis
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Arcà, B., Savakis, C. Distribution of the Transposable Element Minos in the Genus Drosophila. Genetica 108, 263–267 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004185024017

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004185024017

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