Work

The interplay of recombination landscape and a transposable element in European populations of Chironomus riparius

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Broadening our taxonomic scope beyond model species offers deeper insights into the evolutionary dynamics of genomic processes such as recombination and the proliferation of transposable elements (TEs). TEs can drive substantial genomic rearrangements, yet the interplay between TEs and recombination remains poorly understood. RESULTS: To investigate population-specific recombination patterns, we analysed the distribution of the species-specific Cla-element in the non-biting midge Chironomus riparius. This TE is known for its dynamic behaviour, exhibiting high numbers of unique insertions and population-specific distribution patterns. Its distribution showed no consistent association with recombination rates at the chromosome-wide scale. However, the Cla-element was often found outside haplotype blocks, suggesting it may be spatially separated from regions with low recombination. CONCLUSIONS: No strong association was found between the overall recombination landscape in C. riparius and the transposition activity of repetitive elements. Highlighting how the dynamics of transposable elements contribute to the complexity of genome evolution.

Source: BMC Genomics

DOI: 10.1186/s12864-025-12130-7

Authors: Laura Chiara Pettrich, Ann-Marie Waldvogel

Institutions: University of Cologne, Technical University of Munich

Language: English

Topic: Chromosomal and Genetic Variations

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Universität zu Köln