Maize Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 147-159 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 147 Research Article Open Access Transposons inZeaGenomics: Their Impact on Genetic Architecture ZhenLi Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: zhen.li@hibio.org Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0015 Received: 10 May, 2024 Accepted: 12 Jun., 2024 Published: 30 Jun, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li, 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: Li Z., 2024, Transposons in zea genomics: their impact on genetic architecture, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 15(3): 147-159 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2024.15.0015) Abstract Transposons, also known as mobile genetic elements, play a significant role in shaping the genetic architecture of Zea species. This study delves into the diverse types of transposons present in Zea genomes, including DNA transposons and retrotransposons, and their mechanisms of action. We explore how these elements contribute to genetic variation, genome evolution, and the regulation of gene expression. The study also highlights the evolutionary forces that influence the maintenance and diversification of transposons withinZea genomes. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of transposon activity for plant breeding and genetic research, emphasizing their potential as tools for functional genomics and the development of new cultivars. By synthesizing current knowledge, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of transposons on the genetic architecture of Zeaspecies. Keywords Transposons; Zeagenomics; Genetic architecture; Genome evolution; Gene regulation 1 Introduction The genus Zea comprises several species, with maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) and its wild ancestor teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis) being the most notable. Maize, a staple crop with significant economic and nutritional value, was domesticated from teosinte approximately 9 000 years ago in southern Mexico (Xu et al., 2019; Li et al., 2021). Teosinte, which still grows wild in regions of Mexico, exhibits considerable genetic diversity and resilience to various biotic and abiotic stresses (Adhikari et al., 2021). The evolutionary transition from teosinte to maize involved substantial morphological and genetic changes, including alterations in plant architecture, seed size, and metabolic pathways (Dorweiler, and Doebley, 1997; Dermastia et al., 2009; Xu et al., 2019). Transposons, or transposable elements, are DNA sequences that can change their position within the genome, thereby influencing genetic diversity and evolution. In plant genomics, transposons play a crucial role in shaping the genetic architecture by inducing mutations, altering gene expression, and contributing to genome size variation (Tian et al., 2019; Li et al., 2021). In maize and teosinte, transposons have been implicated in significant genomic rearrangements and the evolution of key traits that distinguish domesticated maize from its wild ancestor (Dorweiler and Doebley, 1997; Li et al., 2021). Understanding the impact of transposons is essential for unraveling the complexities of plant evolution, adaptation, and breeding. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of transposons in the genomics of Zea species, focusing on their impact on genetic architecture. By synthesizing current research findings, elucidates how transposons have contributed to the genetic divergence between maize and teosinte and their implications for plant breeding and genetic improvement. The significance of this study lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of plant genome evolution and to inform strategies for utilizing wild germplasm in crop improvement programs. This study hopes to highlight the importance of transposons as drivers of genetic innovation and their potential applications in modern agriculture. 2 Historical Perspective of Transposon Research inZea 2.1 Discovery of transposons by Barbara McClintock The discovery of transposons, or "jumping genes," by Barbara McClintock in the late 1940s revolutionized our understanding of genetic elements and their behavior. McClintock's meticulous studies on chromosome breakage
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