International Journal of Radiation Biology · Nov 2, 2022

The effects of transpositions of functional I retrotransposons depend on the conditions and dose of parental exposure

By Yushkova EA

PURPOSE: Transposable elements (TEs) cause destabilization of animal genomes. I retrotransposons of Drosophila melanogaster, as well as human LINE1 retrotransposons, are sources of intra- and interindividual diversity and responses to the action of internal and external factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the response to irradiation for the offspring of Drosophila melanogaster with the increased activity of inherited functional I elements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material used was dysgenic Drosophila females with active I retrotransposons obtained as a result of crossing irradiated/non-irradiated parents of a certain genotype. Non-dysgenic females (without functional I elements) were used as controls. The effects of different conditions (irradiation of both parents simultaneously or separately) and doses (1-100 Gy) of parental irradiation have been assessed by analyzing SF-sterility, DNA damage and lifespan. The presence of full-size I retrotransposons was determined by PCR analysis. RESULTS: The maternal exposure and exposure of both parents are efficient in contrast with paternal exposure. Irradiation of mothers reduces the reproductive potential and viability of their female offspring which undergo high activity of functional I retrotransposons. Though I retrotranspositions negatively affect the female gonads, irradiation of the paternal line can increase the lifespan of SF-sterile females. Radiation stress in the range of 1-100 Gy increases DNA fragmentation in both somatic and germ cells of the ovaries with high I-retrotransposition. CONCLUSIONS: These results allow for the specificity of the radiation-induced behavior of I retrotransposons and their role in survival under conditions of strong radiation stress.

doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2023.2142978PubMed 36318749Mechanisms