Transposable Elements (TEs) are DNA regions present in virtually all eukaryotic genomes that are capable of multiplication in the genome via transposition from one locus to another. As genomic regions, TEs are usually transmitted vertically via Mendelian inheritance from parents to their offspring. In addition to vertical transmission, TEs can be transmitted horizontally via so-called horizontal transposon transfer (HTT), whereby a TE active in a genome of one species is introduced into a genome of another species.
This Collection is intended to include research papers presenting new and original results of bioinformatics, modeling and/or experimental studies of HTT in eukaryotic genomes. Original reviews and/or opinion papers shedding new light on eukaryote HTT will also be considered. The overall goal is to compile new discoveries that will further our understanding of the following phenomena, processes and mechanisms, including but not limited to:
• Horizontal transfer of TEs between distant and closely related eukaryotic species over multiple timescales
• Horizontal transfer of TEs between bacteria and eukaryotes
• Characterizing vectors, intermediates and molecular mechanisms that enable horizontal transfer of TEs
• Identifying biotic and abiotic factors structuring HTT through time and in diverse eukaryotic groups
• Host response to HTT, including its defense against invading TEs
• Conditions under which TE invasions through HTT may be successful
