Title
Chompy: an infestation of MITE-like repetitive elements in the crocodilian genome
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-5-2005
Abstract
Interspersed repeats are a major component of most eukaryotic genomes and have an impact on genome size and stability, but the repetitive element landscape of crocodilian genomes has not yet been fully investigated. In this report, we provide the first detailed characterization of an interspersed repeat element in any crocodilian genome. Chompy is a putative miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE) family initially recovered from the genome of Alligator mississippiensis (American alligator) but also present in the genomes of Crocodylus moreletii (Morelet's crocodile) and Gavialis gangeticus (Indian gharial). The element has all of the hallmarks of MITEs including terminal inverted repeats, possible target site duplications, and a tendency to form secondary structures. We estimate the copy number in the alligator genome to be approximately 46,000 copies. As a result of their size and unique properties, Chompy elements may provide a useful source of genomic variation for crocodilian comparative genomics.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Gene
First Page
1
Last Page
10
Recommended Citation
Ray, D. A., Hedges, D. J., Herke, S. W., Fowlkes, J. D., Barnes, E. W., LaVie, D. K., Goodwin, L. M., Densmore, L. D., & Batzer, M. A. (2005). Chompy: an infestation of MITE-like repetitive elements in the crocodilian genome. Gene, 362, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2005.07.010