Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
13:19
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 3, 2013
The evolutionary dynamics of endogenous retroviruses
Aris Katzourakis1, Andrew Rambaut, Oliver G Pybus
1Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK.
Trends in Microbiology
|August 20, 2005
Summary
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), integrated retroviruses within genomes, evolve through mutation or deletion. A new model unifies ERV biology, predicting outcomes of germline infection and explaining genetic diversity.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancient retroviral sequences integrated into host genomes.
- ERVs propagate within genomes until inactivated by mutations or lost via recombination.
- Understanding ERV evolutionary dynamics is crucial for deciphering their genomic impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a unified evolutionary model for endogenous retroviruses (ERVs).
- To predict long-term consequences of retroviral germline infections.
- To explain the observed genetic diversity patterns of ERVs.
Main Methods:
- Development of a theoretical evolutionary model.
- Integration of existing knowledge on ERV biology.
- Analysis of factors influencing ERV proliferation and inactivation.
Main Results:
- The model unifies disparate ERV evolutionary observations into a single framework.
- Predictions align with variable patterns of ERV genetic diversity.
- The model accounts for inactivation and deletion mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model offers a comprehensive framework for ERV evolution.
- Facilitates testing of evolutionary hypotheses related to ERVs.
- Enables estimation of parameters governing ERV proliferation and genomic integration.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
02:33Retroviruses
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
03:08LTR Retrotransposons
LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...