The Impact of Short Interspersed Elements (SINEs) on the Host Genome

This text discusses Short Interspersed Elements (SINEs), the homologous repetitive sequences that inhabit complex genomes.

The nearly one million Alu elements interspersed in human DNA are well known to genetics researchers because of their propensity for de novo insertion into active genes.

SINEs represent a complex potential of regulatory information and provide genetic variability to their host-species yet they remain enigmatic with regard to function at the cellular level.

This volume catalogues current knowledge and understanding of these elements and attempts to illuminate their biologic roles.

It provides insights from disciplines such as gene regulation, cell biology, human heredity, population biology, epigenetcs and evolution.

Each chapter provides an examination of SINEs from a contrasting perspective.