Meeting Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that mobilize through copy-and-paste or cut-and-paste mechanisms, expanding within a host genome. Myotis is one genus within vespertilionid bats which has experienced an unorthodox TE history. For example, their genomes are unique among mammals in containing many active DNA transposons, which continue to shape their genomic landscapes. Recent data suggests that, in addition to the indel mutations normally associated with TE activity, these genetic elements may also contribute to higher mutation rates via low-fidelity DNA repair mechanisms. DNA transposons preferentially insert near genes, and so transposon activity may be correlated with mutation rate increases in regulatory regions and coding sequences. Retrotransposons likely have a similar, but lesser mutational impact, as the elements insert via single-stranded nicks, and do not excise themselves. An analysis of transposon polymorphisms in eleven Myotis species, identified by Mobile Element Locator Tool (MELT), will reveal the extent of mutations in nearby genes that are associated with DNA repair after transposon insertions and excisions. These increased mutation rates could correlate to differences in orthologous genes between closely related Myotis species and contribute to our understanding of this exceptionally diverse clade.
