Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
13:19
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Endogenous retroviruses and multiple sclerosis. II. HERV-7q
P M Alliel1, J P Périn, R Pierig
1Inserm, Paris, France.
Summary
Researchers identified a novel human endogenous retrovirus, HERV-7q, on chromosome 7. This retrovirus contains a gene similar to the rab7 gene, potentially coding for a protein.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections integrated into the host genome.
- Identifying novel ERVs is crucial for understanding their role in host evolution and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel human endogenous retroviral sequences.
- To investigate the genetic features and potential coding capacity of a newly identified ERV.
Main Methods:
- Sequence homology searches using the pol gene of the multiple sclerosis associated retrovirus (MSRV).
- Identification and characterization of a full-length endogenous retrovirus sequence on human chromosome 7.
- Analysis of the env region and its homology to host genes.
Main Results:
- A full-length endogenous retrovirus, designated HERV-7q, was identified on the long arm of human chromosome 7.
- HERV-7q possesses an env region with a 664 bp domain highly similar to the 3' non-coding region of the rab7 gene.
- Expressed sequence tags indicate transcription of HERV-7q, suggesting potential protein coding of a 538 amino acid protein.
Conclusions:
- HERV-7q represents a newly discovered human endogenous retrovirus with unique genetic characteristics.
- The homology to the rab7 gene and evidence of transcription suggest a potential functional role for HERV-7q.
- Further studies are warranted to elucidate the biological significance and implications of HERV-7q.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
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 retrovirus to...
02:33Retroviruses
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’...
03:18Non-LTR Retrotransposons
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...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
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...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
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...
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...