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Review
. 2021 Nov;22(11):691-711.
doi: 10.1038/s41576-021-00385-1. Epub 2021 Aug 5.

Transposable elements shape the evolution of mammalian development

Anna D Senft  1 , Todd S Macfarlan  2
Affiliations
Review

Transposable elements shape the evolution of mammalian development

Anna D Senft et al. Nat Rev Genet. 2021 Nov.

Abstract

Transposable elements (TEs) promote genetic innovation but also threaten genome stability. Despite multiple layers of host defence, TEs actively shape mammalian-specific developmental processes, particularly during pre-implantation and extra-embryonic development and at the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we review how TEs influence mammalian genomes both directly by providing the raw material for genetic change and indirectly via co-evolving TE-binding Krüppel-associated box zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs). Throughout mammalian evolution, individual activities of ancient TEs were co-opted to enable invasive placentation that characterizes live-born mammals. By contrast, the widespread activity of evolutionarily young TEs may reflect an ongoing co-evolution that continues to impact mammalian development.

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References

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