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Tmt1: the first LTR-retrotransposon from a Tuber spp.

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Abstract

Retrotransposons are suitable targets for developing molecular markers for population genetics studies. Transposable elements have not yet been isolated from ectomycorrhizal fungi of the genus Tuber. In this paper, we report on the isolation and characterization of Tmt1, an LTR-retrotransposon from Tuber melanosporum. The Tmt1 sequence shows relatedness to Ty3/gypsy retrotransposons from which it differentiates for the presence of a dUTPase extra-domain between protease and reverse transcriptase. Phylogenetic analyses suggest a horizontal transfer of the dUTPase gene (dut) from a fungal host genome. The presence of non-identical LTRs and degenerate ORFs substantiate an ancient integration of Tmt1 in T. melanosporum genome. Furthermore, transcripts analyses proved an inactive status of Tmt1, whereas Southern analysis showed that Tmt1 is a repetitive T. melanosporum species-specific element. Tmt1-based markers will help us to gain more insights into population biology in this fungal species.

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Acknowledgments

This research was partially funded by Regione Umbria and Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio—Perugia. Contribution no. 103 from the Plant Genetics Institute, Perugia Division.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Research Council, Plant Genetics Institute-Perugia, Perugia Division, Via Madonna Alta 130, 06128, Perugia, Italy

    Claudia Riccioni, Andrea Rubini, Beatrice Belfiori, Valentina Passeri, Francesco Paolocci & Sergio Arcioni

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  1. Claudia Riccioni
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  2. Andrea Rubini
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  3. Beatrice Belfiori
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  4. Valentina Passeri
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  5. Francesco Paolocci
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Correspondence to Sergio Arcioni.

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Communicated by U. Kück.

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Riccioni, C., Rubini, A., Belfiori, B. et al. Tmt1: the first LTR-retrotransposon from a Tuber spp.. Curr Genet 53, 23–34 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00294-007-0155-9

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