[Length polymorphism of integrated copies of R1 and R2 retrotransposons in the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) as a potential marker for population and phylogenetic studies].

ABSTRACT

Using polymerase chain reaction technique with primers flanking target sites of retrotransposons R1 and R2, integrated copies of these transposable elements were amplified in various cockroach species (Blattodea). It was shown that each species has a unique pattern of "5'-undertranscripts" with the definite set of amplified fragments of different lengths. Intraspecies polymorphism was revealed in analysis of German cockroach specimens obtained upon individual mating. This is the first report providing results of identifying, cloning, and sequencing extended fragments (5'-truncated copies) of Blatella germanica R1 and R2 retrotransposons. It may be assumed that patterns of 5'-truncated copies of R1 and R2 elements can be used as markers in population and phylogenetic studies. Moreover, cloned and sequenced fragments will be employed in our further studies for screening of the German cockroach genomic library in order to detect full-length copies in this class transposable elements.