Characterization of a novel maize retrotransposon family sprite that shows high levels of variability among maize inbred lines

A novel LTR retrotransposon, SPRITE, was discovered inserted within an intron of the Mo17 allele of Zmet2. This retrotransposon does not affect the expression or function of the Mo17 Zmet2. There are 19 SPRITE elements in the B73 genome including nine with canonical LTRs and 10 with alternate LTR sequences. The individual SPRITE insertions are highly polymorphic in a sample of eight inbred lines. There is evidence for transcription of certain SPRITE elements following exposure with the DNA methylation or histone deacetylases inhibitors 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine or trichostatin A or after long-term tissue culture. The effects of these treatments cause differences in the specific elements that are activated.