Identification of a 5' truncated non-LTR-retrotransposon, YAKPs1, from the variegated cutworm, Peridroma saucia, using PCR.

Retrotransposable elements encode for several polypeptides that contain a number of conserved amino acid motifs, especially in the region encoding reverse transcriptase. We have used these motifs to design primers for the PCR amplification of retrotransposon DNA. These primers have allowed us to isolate a retroposon, or LINE (long interspersed nuclear element), from the pest insect, Peridroma saucia. DNA sequence analysis of this element, YAKPs1, demonstrated a high degree of homology to a number of retroposons from Drosophila melanogaster, in particular the Fw and Doc elements with homologies of up to 69%. Determination of the complete sequence of the YAKPs1 element will enable a detailed analysis of its evolutionary relatedness to other elements as well as a greater insight into its mode of action.