Tracy Lauren, Zhang Zhao
Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2025 Aug;93:102370. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2025.102370. Epub 2025 Jun 18.
Transposons, or 'jumping genes', are ubiquitous genomic elements with the dual capacity to drive evolutionary innovation and disrupt genome integrity through gene mutation and DNA damage. Their activity is particularly significant in germline cells, which transmit genetic material to the next generation. Transposon activity in these cells embodies a delicate balance: while limited transposon activity can introduce genetic diversity and drive evolution, unchecked mobilization risks DNA damage, sterility, and loss of fitness. As 'selfish genes', transposons have evolved strategies to ensure their propagation without jeopardizing host survival. This intricate relationship raises compelling questions about how transposon activity is regulated to sustain both genome stability and evolutionary potential. In this review, we explore recent advances in understanding the small RNA pathway that represses transposons in germ cells, the Piwi-interacting RNA pathway. Furthermore, we highlight how transposons creatively bypass repression. These findings illuminate the dynamic interplay between hosts and transposons, offering deeper insights into genome evolution and preservation.
转座子，即“跳跃基因”，是普遍存在的基因组元件，具有通过基因突变和DNA损伤推动进化创新以及破坏基因组完整性的双重能力。它们的活性在生殖细胞中尤为显著，生殖细胞会将遗传物质传递给下一代。这些细胞中的转座子活性体现了一种微妙的平衡：虽然有限的转座子活性可以引入遗传多样性并推动进化，但不受控制的转座风险会导致DNA损伤、不育和适应性丧失。作为“自私基因”，转座子已经进化出确保其传播而不危及宿主生存的策略。这种复杂的关系引发了关于如何调节转座子活性以维持基因组稳定性和进化潜力的紧迫问题。在这篇综述中，我们探讨了在理解抑制生殖细胞中转座子的小RNA途径（Piwi相互作用RNA途径）方面的最新进展。此外，我们强调了转座子如何创造性地绕过抑制。这些发现阐明了宿主与转座子之间的动态相互作用，为基因组进化和保护提供了更深入的见解。
