The Human THAP9 Gene Encodes an Active P-Element DNA Transposase

• Autores: Sharmistha Majumdar, Anita Singh, Donald C. Rio
• Localización: Science, ISSN 0036-8075, Vol. 339, Nº 6118, 2013, págs. 447-448
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The human genome contains ~50 genes that were derived from transposable elements or transposons, and many are now integral components of cellular gene expression programs. The human THAP9 gene is related to the Drosophila P-element transposase. Here, we show that human THAP9 can mobilize Drosophila P-elements in both Drosophila and human cells. Chimeric proteins formed between the Drosophila P-element transposase N-terminal THAP DNA binding domain and the C-terminal regions of human THAP9 can also mobilize Drosophila P elements. Our results indicate that human THAP9 is an active DNA transposase that, although "domesticated," still retains the catalytic activity to mobilize P transposable elements across species.