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Co-evolution between transposable elements and their hosts: a major factor in genome size evolution?

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Abstract

Most models of genome size evolution emphasize changes in relative rates of and/or the efficacy of selection on insertions and deletions. However, transposable elements (TEs) are a major contributor to genome size evolution, and since they experience their own selective pressures for expansion, genome size changes may in part be driven by the dynamics of co-evolution between TEs and their hosts. Under this perspective, predictions about the conditions that allow for genome expansion may be altered. In this review, we outline the evidence for TE–host co-evolution, discuss the conditions under which these dynamics can change, and explore the possible contribution to the evolution of genome size. Aided partly by advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of TE silencing via small RNAs, there is growing evidence that the evolution of transposition rates can be important in driving genome expansion and contraction. Shifts in genome size and transposon abundance associated with interspecific hybridization and changes in mating system are consistent with an important role for transposition rate evolution, although other possible explanations persist. More understanding of the potential for the breakdown of host silencing mechanisms and/or the potential for TEs to evade host immune responses will improve our understanding of the importance of changes in TE activity in driving genome size evolution.

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Abbreviations

LTR:

Long terminal repeat

MITE:

Miniature inverted repeat transposable element

piRNA:

piwi-interacting RNA

siRNA:

small interfering RNA

TE:

Transposable element

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  1. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 3B2

    J. Arvid Ågren & Stephen I. Wright

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  1. J. Arvid Ågren
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  2. Stephen I. Wright
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Correspondence to Stephen I. Wright.

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Responsible Editor: T. Ryan Gregory and Jillian D. Bainard.

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Ågren, J.A., Wright, S.I. Co-evolution between transposable elements and their hosts: a major factor in genome size evolution?. Chromosome Res 19, 777–786 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10577-011-9229-0

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