Transposable elements (TEs) are known to play a role in genome evolution, gene regulation, and epigenetics, representing potential tools for genetics research in and breeding of conifers. Recently, thanks to the development of high-throughput sequencing, more conifer genomes have been reported. Using bioinformatics tools, the TEs of 3 important conifers (Picea abies, Picea glauce, and Pinus taeda) were identified in our previous study, which provided a foundation for accelerating the use of TEs in conifer breeding and genetic study. Here, we review recent studies on the functional biology of TEs and discuss the potential applications for TEs in conifers.

已知转座因子（TEs）在基因组进化，基因调控和表观遗传学中起作用，是针叶树的遗传学研究和育种的潜在工具。近来，由于高通量测序的发展，已经报道了更多的针叶树基因组。使用生物信息学工具，在我们先前的研究中确定了3个重要的针叶树（云杉，云杉和针叶松）的TE，这为加快TE在针叶树育种和遗传研究中的应用奠定了基础。在这里，我们回顾了有关TEs的功能生物学的最新研究，并讨论了TEs在针叶树中的潜在应用。