Sequence repeats are an important phenomenon in the human genome, playing important roles in genomic alteration often
with phenotypic consequences. The two major types of repeat elements in the human genome are tandem repeats (TRs)
including microsatellites, minisatellites, and satellites and transposable elements (TEs). So far, very little has been known about the
relationship between these two types of repeats. In this study, we identified TRs that are derived from TEs either based on sequence
similarity or overlapping genomic positions. We then analyzed the distribution of these TRs among TE families/subfamilies. Our
study shows that at least 7,276 TRs or 23% of all minisatellites/satellites is derived from TEs, contributing ∼0.32% of the human
genome. TRs seem to be generated more likely from younger/more active TEs, and once initiated they are expanded with time via
local duplication of the repeat units. The currently postulated mechanisms for origin of TRs can explain only 6% of all TE-derived
TRs, indicating the presence of one or more yet to be identified mechanisms for the initiation of such repeats. Our result suggests
that TEs are contributing to genome expansion and alteration not only by transposition but also by generating tandem repeats
