自私遗传元件

自私遗传元件(SGEs)采用对自身有利的方式进行传递,它们在生物中广泛存在,在生物进化中具有不可替代的重要作用。SGEs被认为是生物基因组的重要部分,它们以低拷贝数长期稳定地寄生在宿主及其基因组中。SGEs的种类很多,所熟知的有转座元件、Wolbachia、B染色体、减数分裂驱动元件、限制-修饰系统和Medea基因等。为了加强自身的传播,这些元件通过许多方法操控宿主配子发生过程或宿主生殖,如诱导减数分裂驱动或胞质不亲和性和雌性化、雄性致死或雄性不育等。它们对宿主的调控和宿主基因组对这种调控的反应可能暗含着性别决定的进化、物种形成等重要机制。本文对SGEs的种类及其作用的研究进展进行了综述。

Selfish genetic elements

Selfish genetic elements(SGEs) spread through by the self-interested patterns.They exist extensively in many organism and have important functions in the evolution.They maintain at low copy number,stable propagation and long-term persistence in the host and their genome.And it is recognized that a portion of the genome of any organisms is composed of 'selfish'or 'parasitic'genetic elements.Diverse types of SGEs have been identified,such as transposable elements,heritable microorganisms(Wolbachia),B chromosomes,meiotic drive elements,restriction-modification systems and Medea gene.These SGEs manipulate gametogenesis or host reproduction by a variety of means to enhance their own transmission,for instance,by means of inducing meiotic drive or cytoplasmic incompatibility(CI),and feminizing,male killing or sterilizing males.Both the manipulation of SGEs on the host and the reaction of the host genomes on the manipulate may imply the impotant mechanisms of the evolution of sex determination,speciation etc.The categories of SGEs and the study progress of their functions are reviewed.