Date Approved
2010
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Biology
Committee Member
Dr. David Kass, Chair
Committee Member
Dr. Robert Winning
Committee Member
Dr. Anne Casper
Abstract
SINEs (short interspersed DNA elements) are families of non-coding regions of DNA that amplify within genomes via an RNA intermediate and are referred to as retrotransposons. These elements mobilize using machinery from other retrotransposons and therefore are non-autonomous. It has been demonstrated that both nucleotide sequence and the 3’ A-tail are important contributors for successful amplification. We propose that the level of germ-line transcription of SINE “master genes” is a primary factor in their successful mobility and vertical transmission. RT-PCR and qPCR results suggested higher expression of both SINE and LINE elements in germ-line tissues over somatic. Additionally, the qPCR findings demonstrated higher expression of the IDL element by at least one order of magnitude than the guinea pig ID or LINE elements, relative to the -actin gene. These findings demonstrated a correlation between genomic copy number and expression levels as determined by qPCR, supporting our hypothesis.
Recommended Citation
Wiesner, Catherine Elaine, "Expression levels of non-autonomous retrotransposons in germ-line rodent tissues" (2010). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 291.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/291