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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’...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
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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...
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Monotreme-specific conserved putative proteins derived from retroviral reverse transcriptase.

Koichi Kitao1, Takayuki Miyazawa1, So Nakagawa2

  • 1Laboratory of Virus-Host Coevolution, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.

Virus Evolution
|September 30, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers discovered novel endogenous retrovirus (ERV)-derived genes, RTOM1-3, in monotremes like platypus and echidna. These genes, found in the testis, offer new insights into early mammal evolution.

Keywords:
endogenous retrovirusmonotremereverse transcriptasevirus-derived gene

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics
  • Mammalian Evolution

Background:

  • Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have significantly influenced mammalian evolution, with ERV-derived genes identified in therians, often linked to placental development.
  • The role and origin of ERV-derived genes in monotremes, an evolutionarily distinct group of oviparous mammals, remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize endogenous retrovirus (ERV)-derived genes in monotremes (platypus and echidna).
  • To investigate the evolutionary conservation and expression patterns of these novel genes.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive genomic search for ERV-derived genes in platypus and echidna.
  • Comparative genomic analyses to assess conservation and selection pressures.
  • Transcript expression analysis using RT-PCR or similar methods.

Main Results:

  • Identification of three novel reverse transcriptase-like genes (RTOM1, RTOM2, RTOM3) within the GRIP2 intron of monotremes.
  • Demonstration of strong conservation and purifying selection acting on RTOM1-3 between platypus and echidna.
  • Specific expression of all RTOM transcripts detected exclusively in the testis.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the first monotreme-specific de novo gene candidates originating from ERVs.
  • The findings suggest RTOM genes may have arisen from tandem duplications prior to monotreme divergence.
  • The testis-specific expression points to a potential physiological role for these ERV-derived genes in monotremes, offering unique evolutionary insights.