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Targeted deletion of a 170-kb cluster of LINE-1 repeats and implications for regional control.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Soares, Miguel L 
Edwards, Carol A 
Dearden, Frances L 
Ferrón, Sacri R 
Curran, Scott 

Abstract

Approximately half the mammalian genome is composed of repetitive sequences, and accumulating evidence suggests that some may have an impact on genome function. Here, we characterized a large array class of repeats of long-interspersed elements (LINE-1). Although widely distributed in mammals, locations of such arrays are species specific. Using targeted deletion, we asked whether a 170-kb LINE-1 array located at a mouse imprinted domain might function as a modulator of local transcriptional control. The LINE-1 array is lamina associated in differentiated ES cells consistent with its AT-richness, and although imprinting occurs both proximally and distally to the array, active LINE-1 transcripts within the tract are biallelically expressed. Upon deletion of the array, no perturbation of imprinting was observed, and abnormal phenotypes were not detected in maternal or paternal heterozygous or homozygous mutant mice. The array does not shield nonimprinted genes in the vicinity from local imprinting control. Reduced neural expression of protein-coding genes observed upon paternal transmission of the deletion is likely due to the removal of a brain-specific enhancer embedded within the LINE array. Our findings suggest that presence of a 170-kb LINE-1 array reflects the tolerance of the site for repeat insertion rather than an important genomic function in normal development.

Description

Keywords

0604 Genetics, Biomedical, Basic Science, Genetics, Human Genome

Journal Title

Genome Res

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1088-9051
1549-5469

Volume Title

Publisher

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MR/J001597/1)
Wellcome Trust (086838/Z/08/Z)
Wellcome Trust (095606/Z/11/Z)
Medical Research Council (MR/R009791/1)