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Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites
Published on: March 22, 2016
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Endogenous Retroviruses: With Us and against Us
Thomas J Meyer1, Jimi L Rosenkrantz2,3, Lucia Carbone1,2,4
1Division of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, OR, USA.
Frontiers in Chemistry
|April 26, 2017
Summary
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancient viral remnants in mammalian genomes. They can disrupt gene expression, drive genetic innovation, and impact human diseases, but also aid in immune defense.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Molecular Biology
- Retrovirology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Mammalian genomes contain numerous endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), remnants of ancient infections.
- While often mutated and inactive, some ERVs can still transpose and influence host gene regulation.
- ERV activity and epigenetic silencing can alter adjacent gene expression and genome stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between ERVs and gene expression, particularly during early development.
- To explore the impact of ERV dysregulation on human diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
- To discuss the emerging role of ERVs in host innate immunity against viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ERVs and their interactions with host genomes.
- Analysis of ERV roles in gene regulation during pre-implantation development and placentation.
- Examination of ERV involvement in somatic tissue pathologies and immune responses.
Main Results:
- ERVs significantly influence gene expression through insertion, regulatory motifs, and epigenetic modifications.
- ERV disruption is linked to developmental processes and various human diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.
- Evidence suggests ERVs can be co-opted by the host genome to bolster innate immunity.
Conclusions:
- ERVs are dynamic genomic elements with profound effects on host gene regulation, development, and disease.
- Understanding ERV mechanisms is crucial for insights into genetic innovation and human health.
- ERVs represent a complex interplay between host-pathogen interactions and genome evolution.
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