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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 4, 2025

Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes

Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes

Published on: September 27, 2014

The logic of virus evolution.

Eugene V Koonin¹, Valerian V Dolja², Mart Krupovic³

¹National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.

Cell Host & Microbe

|July 14, 2022

Summary

Viruses evolve through a core of ancient replication genes and acquired host genes. Gene acquisition includes direct benefit recruitment and repurposing, shaping virus evolution and host-virus interactions.

Keywords:

capsid proteins exaptation origins of viruses virus evolution virus structure

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Last Updated: Sep 4, 2025

Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes

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Published on: September 27, 2014

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency

Isolation of Fidelity Variants of RNA Viruses and Characterization of Virus Mutation Frequency

Published on: June 16, 2011

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Area of Science:

Virology
Evolutionary Biology
Genomics

Background:

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, yet possess autonomous evolutionary trajectories.
The evolutionary history and gene acquisition mechanisms of viruses remain incompletely understood.
Understanding virus evolution is crucial for comprehending host-parasite dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

To elucidate a functional logic explaining virus macroevolution.
To identify the origins and acquisition routes of viral genes.
To understand the impact of host gene capture on viral evolution.

Main Methods:

Comparative genomics analysis of viral and host genomes.
Phylogenetic reconstruction to trace gene origins.
Functional analysis of viral hallmark genes and capsid proteins.

Main Results:

A small core of viral genes responsible for genome replication likely originated from primordial replicators.
The majority of viral genes, including capsid proteins, were acquired from host organisms.
Evidence suggests some viral gene acquisitions predate the Last Universal Cellular Ancestor (LUCA).
Two primary host gene recruitment routes identified: convergent recruitment and exaptation.
Exapted viral genes often show significant divergence from their host homologs.

Conclusions:

Virus macroevolution is shaped by a combination of ancient core genes and extensive host gene acquisition.
Host gene capture, through convergent recruitment and exaptation, significantly diversifies viral genomes and functions.
The study provides a framework for understanding the complex evolutionary interplay between viruses and their hosts.