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Co-option of endogenous viral sequences for host cell function.

John A Frank1, Cédric Feschotte1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

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Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) in eukaryotic genomes offer repurposed sequences that benefit host functions, particularly immunity. This viral sequence co-option, especially in embryos and placentas, may mitigate host-virus conflicts and drive cellular innovation.

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Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Eukaryotic genomes contain numerous endogenous viral elements (EVEs) derived from ancient viral infections.
  • These EVEs represent remnants of viral coding and regulatory sequences integrated into the host genome over evolutionary time.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the repurposing of EVEs for host cellular functions.
  • To understand the role of EVEs in host-pathogen interactions and evolutionary innovation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of mammalian endogenous retroviruses as primary examples of EVEs.
  • Comparative genomics to identify co-opted viral sequences.
  • Functional inference based on sequence origin and host genomic context.

Main Results:

  • EVEs provide prefabricated coding and regulatory sequences that have been repurposed for various host cellular functions.
  • A significant contribution of EVEs is observed in host immunity and antiviral defense mechanisms.
  • Mammalian embryos and placentas are identified as key sites for EVE co-option due to transmission routes.

Conclusions:

  • EVE co-option is initially driven by the need to mitigate host-virus conflicts.
  • This process acts as a crucial step towards the evolution of novel cellular functions beneficial for host physiology and development.
  • Repurposing of viral sequences by hosts represents a significant evolutionary mechanism for innovation.