Transposable element landscapes in aging Drosophila

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010024
• Publication Date: 2022-03-03T18:52:02Z
• Authors: Nachen Yang; Satyam P. Srivastav; Reazur Rahman; Qicheng Ma; Gargi Dayama; Sizheng Li; Madoka Chinen; Elissa P. Lei; Michael Rosbash; Nelson C. Lau
• Keywords: Piwi-interacting RNA

Genetic mechanisms that repress transposable elements (TEs) in young animals decline during aging, as reflected by increased TE expression aged animals. Does aging lead to more genomic copies older animals? To address this question, we quantified Landscapes (TLs) via whole genome sequencing of and Drosophila strains wild-type mutant backgrounds. We TLs flies dissected brains validated the feasibility our approach detecting new insertions genomes when small RNA interference (RNAi) pathways are compromised. also describe improved methods quantify extra-chromosomal DNA circles (eccDNAs) an additional source accumulate aging. Lastly, combat natural progression aging-associated expression, show knocking down PAF1 , a conserved transcription elongation factor antagonizes RNAi pathways, may bolster suppression TEs extend lifespan. Our study suggests addition possible influence different genetic backgrounds, mitigate TL expansion despite increase transcripts