How mutagenic are transposable elements?

Transposable elements exhibit a mutation rate of 1.6 × 10^-3 gains per copy per generation, making them a significant source of genetic variation in genomes.

• Why it matters: Understanding TE mutagenicity is crucial because it challenges the traditional view of TEs as "junk" DNA and highlights their role in generating genetic diversity, which has been underexplored.
• What they did: The authors compiled direct estimates of TE mutation rates from existing studies, focusing on comparable data to quantify their mutagenic potential across different lineages.
• The result: Findings show TEs mutate at a rate ten times higher for gains than losses, emphasizing their importance as endogenous mutagens and advocating for their central role in mutation research.