Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic parasites that spread through host genomes by replicating in germline cells. New TE copies that arise in the genomes of germline stem cells (GSCs) are of particular value, because they are potentially transmitted to multiple offspring through the plethora of gametes arising from the same progenitor GSC. However, the fidelity of GSC genomes is also of utmost importance to the host in ensuring the production of abundant and fit offspring. Here we review tactics that TEs employ to replicate in Drosophila female GSCs, as well as mechanisms those cells use to defend against TEs. We also discuss the relationship between transposition and GSC loss, which is arbitrated through reduced signaling for self renewal, increased signaling for differentiation, and DNA damage response pathways.

转座因子（TEs）是可移动的遗传寄生虫，通过在种系细胞中复制而传播通过宿主基因组。种系干细胞（GSC）基因组中出现的新TE拷贝具有特殊价值，因为它们可能通过同一祖先GSC产生的过多配子传递给多个后代。然而，GSC基因组的保真度对于宿主来说对于确保丰富而健康的后代的产生也至关重要。在这里，我们回顾了TE在果蝇中复制所采用的策略女性GSC以及这些细胞用来防御TE的机制。我们还讨论了转座与GSC丧失之间的关系，这通过减少自我更新的信号传导，增加分化的信号传导和DNA损伤应答途径来进行仲裁。