The Evolution and Function of Repetitive DNA

Dear Colleagues,

Repetitive DNA has long been one of the most intriguing but also overlooked portions of eukaryotic genomes. This class of DNA encompasses sequences either organized in a tandem fashion (including satellite DNA) or dispersed in the genome (transposable elements). Repetitive DNA can be highly variable between species in terms of sequence, abundance, and chromosome location. This results from their astonishing ability to change in short evolutionary periods due to the fast-evolving nature of DNA. Moreover, their dynamic behavior may also contribute to genome remodeling by accompanying the rearrangements.

These sequences can build up important structures such as telomeres and centromeres, which are responsible for the proper chromosome segregation, and have been implicated in numerous important functions in the genome. The ability of repetitive sequences to originate non-coding RNA transcripts, which are associated with regulatory and structural functions, has constituted a turnover point. For instance, satellite non-coding RNAs and transposable elements deregulation have been associated to cancer, autoimmune, developmental and degenerative diseases. There is still a long way to go for the knowledge of repetitive DNA function to match that of the coding sequences, and their repetitive nature still poses some technical issues. However, the available genomic technologies and the continuation of the development of new methodologies is potentiating the study of these sequences in the genome of different species.

We kindly invite the submission of manuscripts covering these topics, exploring the role of the transcription of repetitive DNA and the significance of its deregulation in the genome, the hindering of the evolution mechanisms that shape these sequences and their contribution in remodeling genomes.

Prof. Dr. Raquel Chaves
Dr. Sandra Louzada
Guest Editors

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• repetitive DNA
• satellite DNA
• transposable elements
• non-coding RNA transcripts
• evolution of repetitive DNA
• genome instability
• genome evolution