Laboratory of Molecular Evolution of Insects, Department of Biology, University of Sao Paulo State (IBILCE-UNESP), Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, 15054-000 São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
The molecular mechanisms that control P element transposition and determine its tissue specificity remain incompletely understood, although much information has been compiled about this element in the last decade. This review summarizes the currently available information about P element transposition, P-M hybrid dysgenesis and P cytotype features, P element-encoded repressors, and regulation of transposition.