New BEL-like LTR-retrotransposons in Fugu rubripes, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster

The EEL group of retroelements is present in greater numbers, variety and taxonomic range than may have been thought previously. In addition to the insects, nematodes and schistosomes, EEL-like elements are present in echinoderms, urochordates, and at least two highly diverged species of fish. We describe one new full-length EEL-Like element in Fugu that we call Suzu, another in Drosophila that we call Tinker, and seven new families in C. elegans. Many of the C. elegans elements have an unusual insertion at the 5' end. The previously known Roo, TRAM and Telemac are also EEL-like retrotransposons. Some EEL-like elements have captured an envelope gene, probably from other retroelements in some cases but from a phlebovirus in one case. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.