DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
IAP is the acronym for "Intracisternal A-particle" and an IAP element is a specific retrotransposable DNA segment in the mouse genome.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
The IAP element is a mouse endogenous retrovirus (ERV) that behaves like a retrotransposon. IAP elements have typical retrovirus genes (gag, pol, env - often defective) and are flanked by long terminal repeats (LTRs), which can act as promoters/enhancers.
Origin and special features: Originally, the IAP elements came from an infectious retrovirus that integrated into the mouse genome millions of years ago. Today, some copies can still transpose, i.e. insert new copies into the genome.
Genetic significance: Through their own LTR promoters, IAP elements can misregulate neighboring genes (e.g. overexpression or silencing). They are often strongly methylation-dependent: if DNA methylation is reduced, their activity increases.
IAP elements serve as a model for epigenetic regulation and transposable elements in mammals.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Grönniger E et al. (2024) Skin Rejuvenation by Modulation of DNA Methylation. Exp Dermatol 33:e70005.
