Transposable elements have the unique ability to change their location in genomic DNA, that otherwise is largely static. Many types of mobile elements have been studied in both bacteria and eukaryotes. This work led to the identification of key components and allowed geneticists to harness transposons as tools for the mutagenesis of genomes and for the discovery of gene function. For example, the P element of drosophila can be induced to transpose by the selective expression of its transposase. As a result, the p element has played a dominant role in defining the function of genes in drosophila. Recent advances in the use of transposons in non-native hosts, and in the development of powerful new genetic technologies have converged, resulting in important new methods for gene discovery and analysis. This issue of Methods focuses on new applications of transposon technology and showcases the diversity of the systems that are now available.
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