The distribution and abundance of mariner-like elements in the melanogaster species subgroups suggests that the predominant mode of evolution of mariner-like elements is stochastic loss and vertical inactivation, balanced against occasional reinvasion of lineages by horizontal transmission.
Distribution of the mariner element among Drosophilidae species is investigated using three different techniques (squash blots, Southern blots and PCR amplification). Results demonstrate the distribution of mariner is not uniform and does not follow the phylogeny of the host species. Analysis of geographical distributions of the element shows it is mainly present in Asia and Africa.
Population biology and molecular evolution of the mariner element in the eight species of the melanogaster subgroup of the Drosophila subgenus Sophophora has been studied. The element occurs in D.simulans, D.mauritiana, D.sechellia, D.teissieri and D.yakuba, but not D.melanogaster, D.erecta or D.orena. Sequence comparisons suggest that the element was present in the ancestor of the species subgroup and was lost in some of the lineages. Most species that contain active elements also contain inactive elements.
Southern blot analysis suggests that the Dyak\mariner elements of D.yakuba do not contain any large deletions, and at least some of these elements are therefore probably active.
The distribution and abundance of mariner-like elements in the melanogaster species subgroups suggests that the predominant mode of evolution of mariner-like elements is stochastic loss and vertical inactivation, balanced against occasional reinvasion of lineages by horizontal transmission.
Distribution of the mariner element among Drosophilidae species is investigated using three different techniques (squash blots, Southern blots and PCR amplification). Results demonstrate the distribution of mariner is not uniform and does not follow the phylogeny of the host species. Analysis of geographical distributions of the element shows it is mainly present in Asia and Africa.
Population biology and molecular evolution of the mariner element in the eight species of the melanogaster subgroup of the Drosophila subgenus Sophophora has been studied. The element occurs in D.simulans, D.mauritiana, D.sechellia, D.teissieri and D.yakuba, but not D.melanogaster, D.erecta or D.orena. Sequence comparisons suggest that the element was present in the ancestor of the species subgroup and was lost in some of the lineages. Most species that contain active elements also contain inactive elements.
Southern blot analysis suggests that the Dyak\mariner elements of D.yakuba do not contain any large deletions, and at least some of these elements are therefore probably active.
The distribution of the mariner transposable element in the genus Drosophila has been examined. Sequences hybridising to Dmau\mariner are present in D.mauritiana, D.simulans, D.sechellia, D.yakuba and D.teissieri, but not D.melanogaster, D.erecta and D.orena.