Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 123-135 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 123 Research Insight Open Access Transposable Elements inZea: Their Role in Genetic Diversity and Evolution Shaomin Yang Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: shaomin.yang@hibio.org Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0013 Received: 14 Apr.., 2024 Accepted: 20 May, 2024 Published: 02 Jun, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yang, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yang S.M., 2024, Transposable elements in zea: their role in genetic diversity and evolution, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 123-135 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0013) Abstract Transposable elements (TEs) are significant contributors to genetic diversity and evolutionary processes in Zea mays (maize). These mobile genetic elements can move within the genome, inducing mutations, structural variations, and changes in gene expression, which collectively enhance genetic variability and adaptability. TEs are maintained in a delicate balance within the genome, as they can be both deleterious and beneficial. In maize, TEs have been shown to play crucial roles in genome evolution, including the generation of allelic diversity and the regulation of gene expression. The maize genome is particularly rich in TEs, with recent advancements in annotation methods revealing a higher abundance and diversity of TEs than previously recognized. Moreover, the interplay between TEs and epigenetic mechanisms, such as RNA N6-methyladenosine modification, further underscores their role in the adaptive evolution of maize. This study synthesizes current knowledge on the impact of TEs on the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of maize, highlighting their dual role as both genomic parasites and symbionts. The findings underscore the importance of TEs in shaping the maize genome and their potential in driving adaptive responses to environmental challenges. Keywords Transposable elements; Genetic diversity; Evolution; Zea; Epigenetic regulation 1 Introduction Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that can move from one location to another within a genome. They are ubiquitous across all forms of life, from bacteria to humans, and play a significant role in shaping genomic architecture and function. TEs can be classified into two major types: transposons, which move directly via a "cut-and-paste" mechanism, and retrotransposons, which move indirectly through an RNA intermediate (Fedoroff, 2012; Romano and Fanti, 2022). The activity of TEs can lead to various genomic alterations, including gene disruptions, chromosomal rearrangements, and the creation of new regulatory sequences (Chénais et al., 2011; Bennetzen and Wang, 2014). While TEs are often considered genomic parasites due to their potential to cause deleterious mutations, they also contribute to genetic diversity and evolutionary innovation by providing new genetic material and regulatory elements (Rebollo et al., 2012; Sundaram and Wysocka, 2020; Romano and Fanti, 2022). Zeamays, commonly known as maize, is a model organism for studying TEs due to its large and complex genome, which is rich in TEs. The maize genome is composed of a significant proportion of TEs, making it an ideal system to explore the impact of these elements on genome structure, function, and evolution (Fedoroff, 2012; Hirsch and Springer). The study of TEs in maize has historical significance, as the first discovery of TEs was made by Barbara McClintock in maize plants, leading to groundbreaking insights into genetic regulation and genome dynamics (Fedoroff, 2012). Understanding the role of TEs in maize is crucial for several reasons: it can provide insights into the mechanisms of genome evolution, reveal how TEs contribute to genetic diversity and adaptation, and inform breeding strategies for crop improvement (Vicient and Casacuberta, 2017; Platt et al., 2018). Moreover, the activity of TEs in maize can influence gene expression and regulatory networks, thereby affecting phenotypic traits and responses to environmental stresses. This study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of transposable elements in the genetic diversity and evolution of Zea mays. This study will cover the following key areas: the classification and mechanisms of TEs, the historical and contemporary significance of TEs in maize, the impact of TEs on genome structure and function, and the evolutionary implications of TE activity. By synthesizing findings from recent research, this
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