Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
11:54
Measurement of BK-polyomavirus Non-Coding Control Region Driven Transcriptional Activity Via Flow Cytometry
Published on: July 13, 2019
9.3K
Evolution and molecular epidemiology of polyomaviruses
1Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Bacteriología y Virología Molecular (IBaViM), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Summary
Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are diverse DNA viruses. This review explores their evolutionary patterns and molecular epidemiology, focusing on human polyomaviruses like JC, BK, and Merkel cell polyomavirus.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are small DNA viruses with a broad host range, including mammals, birds, and fish.
- Recent discoveries of novel PyV species and the identification of human oncogenic polyomaviruses have increased research interest.
- Understanding PyV evolution and epidemiology is crucial for public health and viral research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolutionary history and molecular epidemiology of polyomaviruses.
- To identify general evolutionary patterns and emerging challenges in PyV research.
- To provide insights into the classification, evolution, and human viral epidemiology of polyomaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of polyomavirus (PyV) species and genera assignation criteria.
- Analysis of hypotheses, mechanisms, and timescales of PyV evolutionary history.
- Examination of the molecular epidemiology of human polyomaviruses, including JC, BK, and Merkel cell polyomaviruses.
Main Results:
- Established criteria for polyomavirus species and genera assignation.
- Detailed hypotheses and mechanisms underlying the ancient and recent evolutionary history of polyomaviruses.
- Comprehensive overview of the molecular epidemiology of key human polyomaviruses.
Conclusions:
- Polyomaviruses exhibit complex evolutionary patterns influenced by various factors.
- Molecular epidemiology reveals significant insights into the transmission and impact of human polyomaviruses.
- Further research is needed to address unaddressed issues and future challenges in polyomavirus studies.
Related Concept Videos
00:36Viral Mutations
39.5K
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...
39.5K
02:33Retroviruses
14.5K
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’...
14.5K
01:26Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
583
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...
583
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
49.1K
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...
49.1K
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
6.7K
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...
6.7K
01:29Viruses of Archaea
397
Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
397