title: Tc1-like transposable elements in plant genomes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Tc1/mariner superfamily of transposable elements (TEs) is widespread in animal genomes. Mariner-like elements, which bear a DDD triad catalytic motif, have been identified in a wide range of flowering plant species. However, as the founding member of the superfamily, Tc1-like elements that bear a DD34E triad catalytic motif are only known to unikonts (animals, fungi, and Entamoeba).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Here we report the identification of Tc1-like elements (TLEs) in plant genomes. These elements bear the four terminal nucleotides and the characteristic DD34E triad motif of Tc1 element. The two TLE families (PpTc1, PpTc2) identified in the moss (Physcomitrella patens) genome contain highly similar copies. Multiple copies of PpTc1 are actively transcribed and the transcripts encode intact full length transposase coding sequences. TLEs are also found in angiosperm genome sequence databases of rice (Oryza sativa), dwarf birch (Betula nana), cabbage (Brassica rapa), hemp (Cannabis sativa), barley (Hordium valgare), lettuce (Lactuta sativa), poplar (Populus trichocarpa), pear (Pyrus x bretschneideri), and wheat (Triticum urartu).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study extends the occurrence of TLEs to the plant phylum. The elements in the moss genome have amplified recently and may still be capable of transposition. The TLEs are also present in angiosperm genomes, but apparently much less abundant than in moss.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, L5L 1C6 Mississauga, ON, Canada ; Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Yuan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, L5L 1C6 Mississauga, ON, Canada ; Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Guojun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yang
keywords: Evolution; Mariner-like elements; Moss; Plant genome; Tc1-like elements; Tc1-mariner-IS630 superfamily; Transposable elements; Transposition activity