ReviewTransposable elements domesticated and neofunctionalized by eukaryotic genomes

Whole genome sequencing has provided a massive amount of information about the origin, diversity and genomic impact of repetitive DNA sequences (repDNA). Among the many classes of repDNA, prokaryotic transposable elements (TEs) replicate, move, amplify and accumulate in invaded genomes and thus represent the major force in restructuring host genes and genomes during evolution. Similar to retroviruses, autonomous TEs became part of the host genomes, and after their molecular domestication, they became functional genes (genomic fossils) in eukaryotic genomes. In this review, examples of the domestication events are discussed, some of which are known to be induced by biotic and abiotic stressors.

► We introduce the idea that transposable elements might flourish because they benefit their hosts. ► New cellular function of the domesticated TEs can evolve from any available genes in the cell. ► TEs are important in genome evolution, epigenetics and biotechnology.