The genetic heist: how transposable elements capture and repurpose genes in plants

Abstract Transposable elements are pervasive components of plant genomes, and their role as dynamic architects of genome evolution is increasingly recognized. Beyond their ability to mobilize within genomes, transposable elements facilitate the capture and propagation of host-derived sequences, profoundly influencing genome plasticity. In this review, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of mechanisms of gene capture. These processes can contribute to novel gene formation, gene duplication, and the modification of gene expression regulation, ultimately driving transcriptomic and phenotypic diversity. This review lays the groundwork for crucial future research exploring the evolutionary and functional significance of transposable element-mediated gene capture in plants.