Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 14, 2025

11:52
Analysis of LINE-1 Retrotransposition at the Single Nucleus Level
Published on: April 23, 2016
8.5K
Enterovirus Infection Restricts Long Interspersed Element 1 Retrotransposition
Yan Li1, Siyu Shen1, Haoran Guo1,2
1Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|November 4, 2021
Summary
Enteroviruses EV-D68 and EV-A71 inhibit the movement of Long Interspersed Element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) retrotransposons in the human genome. Specific viral proteins block L1 activity, revealing a novel host-pathogen interaction.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Long Interspersed Element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) is the sole active autonomous retrotransposon in the human genome.
- L1 retrotransposons can activate innate immune responses against viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of enteroviral infection on L1 retrotransposon mobility.
- To identify specific enteroviral proteins that modulate L1 activity.
Main Methods:
- Infection of cells with enteroviruses EV-D68 and EV-A71.
- Screening of viral accessory proteins for their effect on L1 transposition.
- Analysis of L1 protein expression and reverse transcription.
Main Results:
- Enterovirus infection, specifically with EV-D68 and EV-A71, significantly inhibited L1 transposition.
- EV-D68 proteins 2A, 3A, and 3C, and EV-A71 ORF2p were identified as L1 inhibitors.
- Viral proteins suppressed L1 expression and interfered with L1 reverse transcription.
Conclusions:
- Enteroviruses exert strict control over L1 retrotransposon activity during replication.
- This modulation represents a novel mechanism of host-pathogen interaction impacting innate immunity.
Related Concept Videos
LTR Retrotransposons
18.2K
LTR retrotransposons are class I transposable elements with long terminal repeats flanking an internal coding region. These elements are less abundant in mammals compared to other class I transposable elements. About 8 percent of human genomic DNA comprises LTR retrotransposons. Some of the common examples of LTR retrotransposons are Ty elements in yeast and Copia elements in Drosophila.
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
The internal coding region of LTR retrotransposons and their mechanism of transposition closely resembles a...
18.2K
Non-LTR Retrotransposons
12.1K
As the name suggests, non-LTR retrotransposons lack the long terminal repeats characteristic of the LTR retrotransposons. Additionally, both LTR and non-LTR retrotransposons use distinct mechanisms of mobilization. Non-LTR retrotransposons are further divided into two classes - Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), both of which occur abundantly in most mammals, including humans. Some of the active non-LTR retrotransposons in humans are L1...
12.1K
Retrovirus Life Cycles
47.6K
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...
47.6K
Retroviruses
12.9K
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’...
12.9K
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
248
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...
248
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
5.4K
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...
5.4K

