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Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

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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’...
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A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
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Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
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Next-generation sequencing technologies have created large genomic databases of a variety of animals and plants. Ever since the human genome project was completed, scientists studied the genome of primates, mammals, and other phylogenetically distant living beings. Such large-scale  studies have provided new insights into the evolutionary relationship between organisms.
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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...
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Endogenized viral sequences in mammals.

Nicholas F Parrish1, Keizo Tomonaga2

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Endogenous retroviruses, remnants of ancient viral infections, make up a quarter of mammalian genomes. This review explores their surprising functions and unanswered questions about their integration into our DNA.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • A significant portion of mammalian genomes consists of reverse-transcribed RNA molecules.
  • Many of these are remnants of retroviruses that infected germline cells, retaining transcriptional activity.
  • This retroviral endogenization accounts for approximately 25% of mammalian genomic sequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known functions of endogenized viral sequences in mammalian genomes.
  • To identify key unanswered questions regarding the causes and consequences of retroviral endogenization.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on endogenous retroviruses and their genomic functions.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on retroviral endogenization mechanisms.
  • Identification of research gaps and future directions.

Main Results:

  • Viral sequences integrated into mammalian genomes have been ascribed various biological functions.
  • The process of retroviral endogenization is a major source of genomic innovation.
  • Significant gaps remain in understanding the evolutionary impact and regulatory roles of these sequences.

Conclusions:

  • Endogenous retroviral sequences are not merely genomic parasites but play active roles in mammalian biology.
  • Further research is crucial to fully elucidate the complex interplay between endogenous retroviruses and host genomes.
  • Understanding retroviral endogenization is key to comprehending mammalian genome evolution.