The transposition rate has little influence on equilibrium copy numbers of the P-element

Abstract

The invasion of transposable elements (TEs) in mammals and invertebrates, is likely stopped by piRNAs that emerge after insertion of the TE into a piRNA cluster (the trap model). It remains, however, still unclear which factors influence the dynamics of TE invasions. The activity of the TE (i.e. transposition rate) is one of the frequently discussed key factors. Here we take advantage of the temperature-dependent activity of the P-element, a widely studied eukaryotic TE, to test how TE activity affects the dynamics of a TE invasion. Taking advantage of the temperature-specific activity of the P-element, we monitored its invasion dynamics in experimental Drosophila simulans populations at hot and cold culture conditions. Despite marked differences in transposition rates, the P-element reached very similar copy numbers at both temperatures. The reduction of the insertion rate upon approaching the copy number plateau was accompanied by the emergence of similar amounts of piRNAs against the P-element at both temperatures. Interestingly, the ping-pong cycle, which degrades TE transcripts, becomes only active after the copy number has reached the plateau. We show that the P-element abundance is an order of magnitude lower and fewer P-element insertions in piRNA clusters were observed than expected under the trap model. We conclude that the transposition rate has at the most only a minor influence on TE abundance, but other factors, such as paramutations or selection against TE insertions are shaping the TE composition of organism.