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[Integration and expression of human endogenous retrovirus]
1First Department of Pathology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
[Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi] the Hokkaido Journal of Medical Science
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) like lambda 4-1 and ERV3 are integrated into host DNA. This study investigated their integration and expression in human placenta, finding lambda 4-1 has multiple copies and ERV3 is ancient.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Genetics
- Virology
Context:
- Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are integrated into vertebrate genomes.
- Some ERVs are inherited across generations as host genes.
- Human genomes contain numerous ERV sequences.
Purpose:
- Investigate the integration and expression of lambda 4-1 and ERV3 in human DNA and placenta.
- Analyze the genomic integration patterns and mRNA transcription of these endogenous retroviruses.
- Determine if ERV3 integration predates human ethnic diversification.
Summary:
- Southern-blotting revealed over 30 copies of lambda 4-1 and one copy of ERV3 in human DNA.
- Lambda 4-1 showed Mendelian inheritance for a polymorphic fragment.
- ERV3 size was consistent across Japanese and Caucasian populations, suggesting ancient integration.
- Northern-blotting detected multiple mRNA transcripts for both lambda 4-1 and ERV3 in placenta.
- mRNA levels correlated between the two ERVs (r = 0.66).
- Immunofluorescence suggested lambda 4-1 env protein expression in human placenta.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the genomic landscape and expression of specific human endogenous retroviruses.
- Suggests ERV3 integration occurred prior to major human ethnic divergences.
- Highlights potential expression of lambda 4-1 env protein in placental tissue.
- Contributes to understanding the role and evolution of retroviral elements in the human genome.