A descent into the nuage: the maelstrom of transposon control.
In this issue of Developmental Cell, Soper et al. (2008) report that the mammalian MAELSTROM (MAEL) protein is critical for transposon silencing in the male germline. Loss of MAEL is associated with meiotic failure and DNA damage, suggesting that efficient transposable element restraining mechanisms must be in place for the preservation of germline integrity.
O'Donnell
Kathryn A
KA
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Burns
Kathleen H
KH
Boeke
Jef D
JD
D000818:Animals; D022003:Cell Nucleus Structures / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D008297:Male; D008540:Meiosis; D051379:Mice; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D004251:DNA Transposable Elements; D011506:Proteins