Long interspersed elements (LINE-1 or L1) are the most active
transposable elements in the human genome. Due to their high copy
number and ability to sponsor retrotransposition of nonautonomous
RNA sequences, unchecked L1 activity can negatively impact the
genome by a number of means. Substantial evidence in lower
eukaryotes demonstrates that the RNA interference (RNAi) machinery
plays a major role in containing transposon activity. Despite
extensive analysis in other eukaryotes, no experimental evidence
has been presented that L1-derived siRNAs exist, or that the RNAi
plays a significant role in restricting L1 activity in the human
genome. This review will present evidence showing a direct role
for RNAi in suppressing the movement of transposable elements in
other eukaryotes, as well as speculate on the role RNAi might play
in protecting the human genome from LINE-1 activity.

Harris S. Soifer

Do Small RNAs Interfere With LINE-1?

L1 and Alu elements are long and short interspersedretrotransposable elements (LINEs and SINEs) in humans,respectively. Proteins encoded in the autonomous L1 mediateretrotransposition of the nonautonomous Alu and cellularmRNAs. Alu is the only active SINE in the human genomeand is derived from 7SL RNA of signal recognition particle. In theother eukaryotic genomes, various tRNA- and 5S rRNA-derived SINEsare found. Some of the tRNA- and 5S rRNA-derived SINEs havepartner LINEs of which 3&#39; sequences are similar to those of theSINEs. One of the tRNA-derived SINEs is shown to be mobilized byits partner LINE. Many copies of tRNA and 5S rRNA pseudogenes arepresent in the human genome. These pseudogenes may have beengenerated via the retrotransposition process using L1 proteins.Although there are no sequence similarities between L1 andAlu, L1 functionally links with Alu and evencellular genes, impacting on our genome shaping.

Sachiko  Matsutani

Links Between Repeated Sequences

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BioMed Research International

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BioMed Research International

LINE-1 Retrotransposition: Impact on Genome Stability and Diversity and Human Disease

LINE-1 Retrotransposition: Impact on Genome Stability and Diversity and Human Disease

Articles

Do Small RNAs Interfere With LINE-1?

Links Between Repeated Sequences