TRPing up the genome: Tandem repeat polymorphisms as dynamic sources of genetic variability in health and disease.

Abstract

Repetitive DNA sequences constitute a large fraction of the genomes of humans and other animal species. Tandem repeats are a major class of repetitive DNA and the extent of their polymorphic distributions and functions within the human genome are only beginning to be explored. Tandem repeat polymorphisms (TRPs) provide a unique source of genomic variability and recent evidence suggests they can modulate a range of biological processes, in developing and mature organisms. Tandem repeats can change length during meiosis and mitosis, providing a dynamic source of genetic variation which may not only influence evolutionary processes, but also somatic cellular selection. Furthermore, recent evide..