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Tang W, Liang P. The identification of retro-DNAs in primate genomes as DNA transposons mobilizing via retrotransposition. F1000Res 2024; 12:255. [PMID: 38915770 PMCID: PMC11195612 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130043.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Mobile elements (MEs) constitute a major portion of the genome in primates and other higher eukaryotes, and they play important role in genome evolution and gene function. MEs can be divided into two fundamentally different classes: DNA transposons which transpose in the genome in a "cut-and-paste" style, and retrotransposons which propagate in a "copy-and-paste" fashion via a process involving transcription and reverse-transcription. In primate genomes, DNA transposons are mostly dead, while many retrotransposons are still highly active. We report here the identification of a unique group of MEs, which we call "retro-DNAs", for their combined characteristics of these two fundamentally different ME classes. Methods A comparative computational genomic approach was used to analyze the reference genome sequences of 10 primate species consisting of five apes, four monkeys, and marmoset. Results From our analysis, we identified a total of 1,750 retro-DNAs, representing 748 unique insertion events in the genomes of ten primate species including human. These retro-DNAs contain sequences of DNA transposons but lack the terminal inverted repeats (TIRs), the hallmark of DNA transposons. Instead, they show characteristics of retrotransposons, such as polyA tails, longer target-site duplications (TSDs), and the "TT/AAAA" insertion site motif, suggesting the use of the L1-based target- primed reverse transcription (TPRT) mechanism. At least 40% of these retro-DNAs locate into genic regions, presenting potentials for impacting gene function. More interestingly, some retro-DNAs, as well as their parent sites, show certain levels of expression, suggesting that they have the potential to create more retro-DNA copies in the present primate genomes. Conclusions Although small in number, the identification of these retro-DNAs reveals a new mean for propagating DNA transposons in primate genomes without active canonical DNA transposon activity. Our data also suggest that the TPRT machinery may transpose a wider variety of DNA sequences in the genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangxiangfu Tang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
- Centre of Biotechnology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
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Liu X, Liu Z, Wu Z, Ren J, Fan Y, Sun L, Cao G, Niu Y, Zhang B, Ji Q, Jiang X, Wang C, Wang Q, Ji Z, Li L, Esteban CR, Yan K, Li W, Cai Y, Wang S, Zheng A, Zhang YE, Tan S, Cai Y, Song M, Lu F, Tang F, Ji W, Zhou Q, Belmonte JCI, Zhang W, Qu J, Liu GH. Resurrection of endogenous retroviruses during aging reinforces senescence. Cell 2023; 186:287-304.e26. [PMID: 36610399 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Whether and how certain transposable elements with viral origins, such as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) dormant in our genomes, can become awakened and contribute to the aging process is largely unknown. In human senescent cells, we found that HERVK (HML-2), the most recently integrated human ERVs, are unlocked to transcribe viral genes and produce retrovirus-like particles (RVLPs). These HERVK RVLPs constitute a transmissible message to elicit senescence phenotypes in young cells, which can be blocked by neutralizing antibodies. The activation of ERVs was also observed in organs of aged primates and mice as well as in human tissues and serum from the elderly. Their repression alleviates cellular senescence and tissue degeneration and, to some extent, organismal aging. These findings indicate that the resurrection of ERVs is a hallmark and driving force of cellular senescence and tissue aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zunpeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zeming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Ren
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanling Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liang Sun
- NHC Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, NHC Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, National Center of Gerontology/Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Gang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yuyu Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Baohu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qianzhao Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiaoran Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhejun Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lanzhu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | | | - Kaowen Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Li
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yusheng Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Si Wang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Beijing 100053, China; The Fifth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400062, China
| | - Aihua Zheng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yong E Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shengjun Tan
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yingao Cai
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Moshi Song
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Falong Lu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Innovative Academy of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | | | - Weiqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Jing Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing 100053, China; Institute for Stem cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Chabukswar S, Grandi N, Tramontano E. Prolonged activity of HERV-K(HML2) in Old World Monkeys accounts for recent integrations and novel recombinant variants. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1040792. [PMID: 36532485 PMCID: PMC9751479 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1040792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Around 8% of the human genome comprises Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) acquired over primate evolution. Some are specific to primates such as HERV-K, consisting of 10 HML subtypes and including the most recently acquired elements. Particularly, HML2 is the youngest clade, having some human-specific integrations, and while it has been widely described in humans its presence and distribution in non-human primates remain poorly characterized. To investigate HML2 distribution in non-human primates, the present study focused on the characterization of HML2 integrations in Macaca fascicularis and Macaca mulatta which are the most evolutionarily distant species related to humans in the Catarrhini parvorder. We identified overall 208 HML2 proviruses for M. fascicularis (77) and M. mulatta (131). Among them, 46 proviruses are shared by the two species while the others are species specific. Only 12 proviruses were shared with humans, confirming that the major wave of HML2 diffusion in humans occurred after macaques' divergence. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed structural variations between HML2 macaques' species-specific proviruses, and the ones shared between macaques and humans. The HML2 loci were characterized in terms of structure, focusing on potential residual open reading frames (ORFs) for gag, pol, and env genes for the latter being reported to be expressed in human pathological conditions. The analysis identified highly conserved gag and pol genes, while the env genes had a very divergent nature. Of the 208 HML2 proviral sequences present in Macaca species, 81 sequences form a cluster having a MER11A, a characteristic HML8 LTR sequence, insertion in the env region indicating a recombination event that occurred between the HML2 env gene and the HML8 LTR. This recombination event, which was shown to be present only in a subset of macaques' shared sequences and species-specific sequences, highlights a recent viral activity leading to the emergence of an env variant specific to the Old World Monkeys (OWMs). We performed an exhaustive analysis of HML2 in two species of OWMs, in terms of its evolutionary history, structural features, and potential residual coding capacity highlighting recent activity of HML2 in macaques that occurred after its split from the Catarrhini parvorder, leading to the emergence of viral variants, hence providing a better understanding of the endogenization and diffusion of HML2 along primate evolution.
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Mustelin T, Ukadike KC. How Retroviruses and Retrotransposons in Our Genome May Contribute to Autoimmunity in Rheumatological Conditions. Front Immunol 2020; 11:593891. [PMID: 33281822 PMCID: PMC7691656 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.593891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 200 human disorders include various manifestations of autoimmunity. The molecular events that lead to these diseases are still incompletely understood and their causes remain largely unknown. Numerous potential triggers of autoimmunity have been proposed over the years, but very few of them have been conclusively confirmed or firmly refuted. Viruses have topped the lists of suspects for decades, and it seems that many viruses, including those of the Herpesviridae family, indeed can influence disease initiation and/or promote exacerbations by a number of mechanisms that include prolonged anti-viral immunity, immune subverting factors, and mechanisms, and perhaps “molecular mimicry”. However, no specific virus has yet been established as being truly causative. Here, we discuss a different, but perhaps mechanistically related possibility, namely that retrotransposons or retroviruses that infected us in the past and left a lasting copy of themselves in our genome still can provoke an escalating immune response that leads to autoimmune disease. Many of these loci still encode for retroviral proteins that have retained some, or all, of their original functions. Importantly, these endogenous proviruses cannot be eliminated by the immune system the way it can eliminate exogenous viruses. Hence, if not properly controlled, they may drive a frustrated and escalating chronic, or episodic, immune response to the point of a frank autoimmune disorder. Here, we discuss the evidence and the proposed mechanisms, and assess the therapeutic options that emerge from the current understanding of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kennedy C Ukadike
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Dickerson F, Adamos M, Katsafanas E, Khushalani S, Origoni A, Savage C, Schweinfurth L, Stallings C, Sweeney K, Goga J, Yolken RH. Adjunctive probiotic microorganisms to prevent rehospitalization in patients with acute mania: A randomized controlled trial. Bipolar Disord 2018; 20:614-621. [PMID: 29693757 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunological abnormalities play a role in the pathophysiology of mania and have been associated with relapse. Probiotic organisms such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria modulate inflammation in humans and animal models. The trial examined whether the administration of probiotic organisms prevents psychiatric rehospitalizations in patients recently discharged following hospitalization for mania. METHODS Patients hospitalized for mania (N = 66) were randomized after discharge to receive 24 weeks of adjunctive probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain Bb12) or adjunctive placebo in a parallel two-group design format. The effect of treatment group on the risk of rehospitalization was calculated using Cox regression models. The modulating effect of systemic inflammation was measured employing an inflammation score based on immunoglobulin levels directed at previously defined antigens. RESULTS During the 24-week observation period there were a total of 24 rehospitalizations in the 33 individuals who received placebo and eight rehospitalizations in the 33 individuals who received the probiotics (z = 2.63, P = .009). Hazard functions indicated that the administration of the probiotics was associated with a significant advantage in time to all psychiatric rehospitalizations (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10, .69; P = .007). Probiotic treatment also resulted in fewer days rehospitalized (mean 8.3 vs 2.8 days for placebo and probiotic treatment, respectively; χ2 = 5.17, P = .017). The effect of the probiotic treatment on the prevention of rehospitalization was increased in individuals with elevated levels of systemic inflammation at baseline. CONCLUSION Probiotic supplementation is associated with a lower rate of rehospitalization in patients who have been recently discharged following hospitalization for mania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Dickerson
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maria Adamos
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily Katsafanas
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sunil Khushalani
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Origoni
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christina Savage
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lucy Schweinfurth
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cassie Stallings
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Sweeney
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshana Goga
- Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Goering W, Schmitt K, Dostert M, Schaal H, Deenen R, Mayer J, Schulz WA. Human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K(HML-2) activity in prostate cancer is dominated by a few loci. Prostate 2015; 75:1958-71. [PMID: 26384005 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased expression of human endogenous retroviruses, especially HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses, has recently been associated with prostate carcinoma progression. In particular, a HML-2 locus in chromosome 22q11.23 (H22q) is upregulated in many cases. We therefore aimed at delineating the extent and repertoire of HML-2 transcription in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines and to define the transcription pattern and biological effects of H22q. METHODS Sanger and high throughput amplicon sequencing was used to define the repertoire of expressed HML-2 in a selected set of samples. qRT-PCR was used to quantify expression of selected proviruses in an extended set of prostate cancer tissues. Transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) were compared bioinformatically using the Transfac database. Expression of H22q was further characterized by siRNA-mediated knockdown, 5' RACE mapping of transcriptional start sites (TSS) and identification of splice sites. Functional effects of H22q knockdown were investigated by viability and apoptosis assays. RESULTS In addition to H22q, a limited number of other proviruses were found expressed by sequencing. Of these, provirus ERVK-5 and to a lesser degree ERVK-15 were frequently upregulated in prostate cancer. In contrast, expression of ERVK-24, predominant in germ cell tumors, was not detectable in prostatic tissues. While HML-2 LTRs contain binding sites for the androgen receptor and cofactors, no consistent differences in transcription factor binding sites were found between expressed and non-expressed proviruses. The H22q locus contains two 5'-LTRs of which the upstream LTR is predominantly used in prostatic cells, with an imprecise TSS. Splicing of H22q transcripts is complex, generating, among others, a transcript with an Np9-like ORF. Knockdown of H22q did not significantly affect proliferation or apoptosis of prostate cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings further underline that HML-2 expression is commonly highly tissue-specific. In prostate cancer, a limited number of loci become activated, especially H22q and ERVK-5. As expressed and non-expressed proviruses do not differ significantly in TFBS, tissue- and tumor-specific expression may be governed primarily by chromatin context. Overexpression of HML-2 H22q is more likely consequence than cause of prostate cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Goering
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katja Schmitt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Dostert
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Heiner Schaal
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - René Deenen
- GTL, Biomedical Research Center, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jens Mayer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Center of Human and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Schulz
- Department of Urology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Heyne K, Kölsch K, Bruand M, Kremmer E, Grässer FA, Mayer J, Roemer K. Np9, a cellular protein of retroviral ancestry restricted to human, chimpanzee and gorilla, binds and regulates ubiquitin ligase MDM2. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:2619-33. [PMID: 26103464 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2015.1064565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans and primates are long-lived animals with long reproductive phases. One factor that appears to contribute to longevity and fertility in humans, as well as to cancer-free survival, is the transcription factor and tumor suppressor p53, controlled by its main negative regulator MDM2. However, p53 and MDM2 homologs are found throughout the metazoan kingdom from Trichoplacidae to Hominidae. Therefore the question arises, if p53/MDM2 contributes to the shaping of primate features, then through which mechanisms. Previous findings have indicated that the appearances of novel p53-regulated genes and wild-type p53 variants during primate evolution are important in this context. Here, we report on another mechanism of potential relevance. Human endogenous retrovirus K subgroup HML-2 (HERV-K(HML-2)) type 1 proviral sequences were formed in the genomes of the predecessors of contemporary Hominoidea and can be identified in the genomes of Nomascus leucogenys (gibbon) up to Homo sapiens. We previously reported on an alternative splicing event in HERV-K(HML-2) type 1 proviruses that can give rise to nuclear protein of 9 kDa (Np9). We document here the evolution of Np9-coding capacity in human, chimpanzee and gorilla, and show that the C-terminal half of Np9 binds directly to MDM2, through a domain of MDM2 that is known to be contacted by various cellular proteins in response to stress. Np9 can inhibit the MDM2 ubiquitin ligase activity toward p53 in the cell nucleus, and can support the transactivation of genes by p53. Our findings point to the possibility that endogenous retrovirus protein Np9 contributes to the regulation of the p53-MDM2 pathway specifically in humans, chimpanzees and gorillas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Heyne
- a José Carreras Center and Internal Medicine I; University of Saarland Medical Center ; Homburg , Germany
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Macfarlane CM, Badge RM. Genome-wide amplification of proviral sequences reveals new polymorphic HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses in humans and chimpanzees that are absent from genome assemblies. Retrovirology 2015; 12:35. [PMID: 25927962 PMCID: PMC4422153 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-015-0162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, the human population census of proviruses of the Betaretrovirus-like human endogenous retroviral (HERV-K) (HML-2) family has been compiled from a limited number of complete genomes, making it certain that rare polymorphic loci are under-represented and are yet to be described. RESULTS Here we describe a suppression PCR-based method called genome-wide amplification of proviral sequences (GAPS) that selectively amplifies DNA fragments containing the termini of HERV-K(HML-2) proviral sequences and their flanking genomic sequences. We analysed the HERV-K(HML-2) proviral content of 101 unrelated humans, 4 common chimpanzees and three centre d'etude du polymorphisme humain (CEPH) pedigrees (44 individuals). The technique isolated HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses that had integrated in the genomes of the great apes throughout their divergence and included evolutionarily young elements still unfixed for presence/absence. CONCLUSIONS By examining the HERV-K(HML-2) proviral content of 145 humans we detected a new insertionally polymorphic Type I HERV-K(HML-2) provirus. We also observed provirus versus solo long terminal repeat (LTR) polymorphism within humans at a previously unreported, but ancient, locus. Finally, we report two novel chimpanzee specific proviruses, one of which is dimorphic for a provirus versus solo LTR. Thus GAPS enables the isolation of uncharacterised HERV-K(HML-2) proviral sequences and provides a direct means to assess inter-individual genetic variation associated with HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona M Macfarlane
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
| | - Richard M Badge
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
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Evaluation of cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) endogenous retrovirus expression following simian immunodeficiency virus infection. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40158. [PMID: 22768246 PMCID: PMC3387136 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K) transcripts are upregulated in the plasma of HIV-infected individuals and have been considered as targets for an HIV vaccine. We evaluated cynomolgus macaque endogenous retrovirus (CyERV) mRNA expression by RT-qPCR in PBMCs isolated from a cohort of animals previously utilized in a live attenuated SIV vaccine trial. CyERV env transcript levels decreased following vaccination (control and vaccine groups) and CyERV env and gag mRNA expression was decreased following acute SIV-infection, whereas during chronic SIV infection, CyERV transcript levels were indistinguishable from baseline. Reduced susceptibility to initial SIV infection, as measured by the number of SIV challenges required for infection, was associated with increased CyERV transcript levels in PBMCs. In vitro analysis revealed that SIV infection of purified CD4+ T-cells did not alter CyERV gene expression. This study represents the first evaluation of ERV expression in cynomolgus macaques following SIV infection, in an effort to assess the utility of cynomolgus macaques as an animal model to evaluate ERVs as a target for an HIV/SIV vaccine. This non-human primate model system does not recapitulate what has been observed to date in the plasma of HIV-infected humans suggesting that further investigation at the cellular level is required to elucidate the impact of HIV/SIV infection on endogenous retrovirus expression.
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10
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Distinct retroelement classes define evolutionary breakpoints demarcating sites of evolutionary novelty. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:334. [PMID: 19630942 PMCID: PMC2736999 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Large-scale genome rearrangements brought about by chromosome breaks underlie numerous inherited diseases, initiate or promote many cancers and are also associated with karyotype diversification during species evolution. Recent research has shown that these breakpoints are nonrandomly distributed throughout the mammalian genome and many, termed "evolutionary breakpoints" (EB), are specific genomic locations that are "reused" during karyotypic evolution. When the phylogenetic trajectory of orthologous chromosome segments is considered, many of these EB are coincident with ancient centromere activity as well as new centromere formation. While EB have been characterized as repeat-rich regions, it has not been determined whether specific sequences have been retained during evolution that would indicate previous centromere activity or a propensity for new centromere formation. Likewise, the conservation of specific sequence motifs or classes at EBs among divergent mammalian taxa has not been determined. Results To define conserved sequence features of EBs associated with centromere evolution, we performed comparative sequence analysis of more than 4.8 Mb within the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, derived from centromeric regions (CEN), euchromatic regions (EU), and an evolutionary breakpoint (EB) that has undergone convergent breakpoint reuse and past centromere activity in marsupials. We found a dramatic enrichment for long interspersed nucleotide elements (LINE1s) and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and a depletion of short interspersed nucleotide elements (SINEs) shared between CEN and EBs. We analyzed the orthologous human EB (14q32.33), known to be associated with translocations in many cancers including multiple myelomas and plasma cell leukemias, and found a conserved distribution of similar repetitive elements. Conclusion Our data indicate that EBs tracked within the class Mammalia harbor sequence features retained since the divergence of marsupials and eutherians that may have predisposed these genomic regions to large-scale chromosomal instability.
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11
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Blomberg J, Benachenhou F, Blikstad V, Sperber G, Mayer J. Classification and nomenclature of endogenous retroviral sequences (ERVs): problems and recommendations. Gene 2009; 448:115-23. [PMID: 19540319 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2009.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2009] [Revised: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The genomes of many species are crowded with repetitive mobile sequences. In the case of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) there is, for various reasons, considerable confusion regarding names assigned to families/groups of ERVs as well as individual ERV loci. Human ERVs have been studied in greater detail, and naming of HERVs in the scientific literature is somewhat confusing not just to the outsider. Without guidelines, confusion for ERVs in other species will also probably increase if those ERVs are studied in greater detail. Based on previous experience, this review highlights some of the problems when naming and classifying ERVs, and provides some guidance for detecting and characterizing ERV sequences. Because of the close relationship between ERVs and exogenous retroviruses (XRVs) it is reasonable to reconcile their classification with that of XRVs. We here argue that classification should be based on a combination of similarity, structural features, (inferred) function, and previous nomenclature. Because the RepBase system is widely employed in genome annotation, RepBase designations should be considered in further taxonomic efforts. To lay a foundation for a phylogenetically based taxonomy, further analyses of ERVs in many hosts are needed. A dedicated, permanent, international consortium would best be suited to integrate and communicate our current and future knowledge on repetitive, mobile elements in general to the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Blomberg
- Section of Virology, Department of Medical Sciences, Academic Hospital, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden.
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12
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Abstract
The capacity to integrate into the chromosomal DNA of germ-line cells has endowed retroviruses with the potential to be vertically transmitted from generation to generation and eventually become fixed in the genomes of the entire population. This has been independently accomplished by several ancient retroviruses that invaded the genomes of our early and more recent primate and hominoid ancestors. Some of the inherited elements then proliferated in the genome, resulting in a number of lineages with complex phylogenetic patterns. Although the vast majority of chromosomally integrated retroelements have suffered inactivating mutations and deletions, a significant impact on various aspects of human biology has been recently revealed and evidence for the present activity of at least one human endogenous retrovirus family continues to accumulate.
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13
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Flockerzi A, Maydt J, Frank O, Ruggieri A, Maldener E, Seifarth W, Medstrand P, Lengauer T, Meyerhans A, Leib-Mösch C, Meese E, Mayer J. Expression pattern analysis of transcribed HERV sequences is complicated by ex vivo recombination. Retrovirology 2007; 4:39. [PMID: 17550625 PMCID: PMC1904241 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-4-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The human genome comprises numerous human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) that formed millions of years ago in ancestral species. A number of loci of the HERV-K(HML-2) family are evolutionarily much younger. A recent study suggested an infectious HERV-K(HML-2) variant in humans and other primates. Isolating such a variant from human individuals would be a significant finding for human biology. Results When investigating expression patterns of specific HML-2 proviruses we encountered HERV-K(HML-2) cDNA sequences without proviral homologues in the human genome, named HERV-KX, that could very well support recently suggested infectious HML-2 variants. However, detailed sequence analysis, using the software RECCO, suggested that HERV-KX sequences were produced by recombination, possibly arising ex vivo, between transcripts from different HML-2 proviral loci. Conclusion As RT-PCR probably will be instrumental for isolating an infectious HERV-K(HML-2) variant, generation of "new" HERV-K(HML-2) sequences by ex vivo recombination seems inevitable. Further complicated by an unknown amount of allelic sequence variation in HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses, newly identified HERV-K(HML-2) variants should be interpreted very cautiously.
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MESH Headings
- Base Sequence
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/isolation & purification
- DNA, Viral/chemistry
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- DNA, Viral/isolation & purification
- Endogenous Retroviruses/genetics
- Gene Expression
- Genome, Human
- Humans
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Proviruses/genetics
- RNA, Viral/biosynthesis
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- Recombination, Genetic
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology
- Software
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Flockerzi
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Maydt
- Max Planck-Institute for Informatics, Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Oliver Frank
- Medical Faculty Mannheim of the Ruprecht-Karls, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alessia Ruggieri
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Esther Maldener
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Seifarth
- Medical Faculty Mannheim of the Ruprecht-Karls, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrik Medstrand
- Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Andreas Meyerhans
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Christine Leib-Mösch
- Medical Faculty Mannheim of the Ruprecht-Karls, University of Heidelberg, Germany
- GSF – National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Molecular Virology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Eckart Meese
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Jens Mayer
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
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14
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Romano CM, Ramalho RF, Zanotto PMDA. Tempo and mode of ERV-K evolution in human and chimpanzee genomes. Arch Virol 2006; 151:2215-28. [PMID: 16830071 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-006-0792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2005] [Accepted: 04/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Several families of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) exist in copious numbers in the genomes of primate species. Therefore, we undertook a systematic search for endogenous retrovirus sequences from the ERV-K family, comparing across both human (Homo sapiens) and chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) genomes. Using conserved motifs of the ERV-K as query we identified and characterized 76 complete ERV-K elements, 54 in human (HERV-K), 34 of which were described previously, and 21 in the chimpanzee (CERV-K). Phylogenetic analysis using coding regions and LTRs showed the existence of two main branches. Group I was the most heterogeneous and had an average integration time of 18.3 MYBP (million years before present), using rates ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 x 10(-9) s/s/y (substitution per site per year). Group O/N integrated around 19.4 MYBP and nested Group N integrated about 14 MYBP. We found evidence for strong positive selection on the gag, pol and env coding regions and for A/T hypermutation. Our data suggest that the endogenous elements were possibly involved in chromosomal rearrangements and retained a great deal of information from their active stage, most likely as a consequence of host interactions. This study also contributes to the annotation effort of both human and chimpanzee genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Romano
- Laboratory of Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences Institute - ICB II, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Rakoff-Nahoum S, Kuebler PJ, Heymann JJ, E Sheehy M, Ortiz GM, S Ogg G, Barbour JD, Lenz J, Steinfeld AD, Nixon DF. Detection of T lymphocytes specific for human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) in patients with seminoma. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2006; 22:52-6. [PMID: 16438646 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2006.22.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) is distinctive among the retroviruses that comprise about 8% of the human genome in that multiple HERV-K proviruses encode full-length viral proteins, and many HERV-K proviruses formed during recent human evolution. HERV-K gag proteins are found in the cytoplasm of primary tumor cells of patients with seminoma. We identified HERV-K-specific T cells in patients with a past history of seminoma using the interferon-gamma ELISPOT assay and an MHC-HERV-K peptide-specific tetramer. A minority of apparently healthy subjects without evident germ cell tumors also made HERV-K-specific T cell responses. In summary, we detected T cell reactivity to HERV-K peptides in both past seminoma patients and a minority of apparently healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Rakoff-Nahoum
- J.D. Gladstone Institutes, Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
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16
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Mayer J, Meese E. Human endogenous retroviruses in the primate lineage and their influence on host genomes. Cytogenet Genome Res 2005; 110:448-56. [PMID: 16093697 DOI: 10.1159/000084977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2003] [Accepted: 01/30/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Primates emerged about 60 million years ago. Since that time various primate-targeting retroviruses have integrated in the germ line of primate species, and some drifted to fixation. After germ line fixation, continued activity of proviruses resulted in intragenomic spread of so-called endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Variant ERVs emerged, amplified in the genome and profoundly altered genome structures and potentially functionality. Importantly, ERVs are genome modifiers of exogenous origin. The human genome contains about 8% of sequences of retroviral origin. The human ERVs (HERVs) comprise many distinct families that amplified to copy numbers of up to several thousand. We review here the evolution of several well-characterized HERV families in the human lineage since initial germ line fixation. It is apparent that endogenous retroviruses profoundly affected the genomes of species in the evolutionary lineage leading to Homo sapiens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mayer
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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17
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Macfarlane C, Simmonds P. Allelic variation of HERV-K(HML-2) endogenous retroviral elements in human populations. J Mol Evol 2005; 59:642-56. [PMID: 15693620 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-004-2656-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are the remnants of ancient germ cell infection by exogenous retroviruses and occupy up to 8% of the human genome. It has been suggested that HERV sequences have contributed to primate evolution by regulating the expression of cellular genes and mediating chromosome rearrangements. After integration approximately 28 million years ago, members of the HERV-K (HML-2) family have continued to amplify and recombine. To investigate the utility of HML-2 polymorphisms as markers for the study of more recent human evolution, we compiled a list of the structure and integration sites of sequences that are unique to humans and screened each insertion for polymorphism within the human genome databases. Of the total of 74 HML-2 sequences, 18 corresponded to complete or near-complete proviruses, 49 were solitary long terminal repeats (LTRs), 6 were incomplete LTRs, and 1 was a SVA retrotransposon. A number of different allelic configurations were identified including the alternation of a provirus and solitary LTR. We developed polymerase chain reaction-based assays for seven HML-2 loci and screened 109 human DNA samples from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Southeast Asia. Our results indicate that the diversity of HML-2 elements is higher in African than non-African populations, with population differentiation values ranging from 0.6 to 9.8%. These findings denote a recent expansion from Africa. We compare the phylogenetic relationships of HML-2 sequences that are unique to humans and consider whether these elements have played a role in the remodeling of the hominid genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Macfarlane
- Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 1QH, UK.
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18
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Greenwood AD, Stengel A, Erfle V, Seifarth W, Leib-Mösch C. The distribution of pol containing human endogenous retroviruses in non-human primates. Virology 2005; 334:203-13. [PMID: 15780870 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2004] [Revised: 12/30/2004] [Accepted: 01/31/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Few human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) have been extensively studied in non-human primates. Such investigations have demonstrated that several element classes are primate unique, contain members with important biological function, are conserved in specific primate lineages, and have in some cases expanded in copy number. We have examined multiple sub-families of all major groups of HERVs using a DNA microarray based on the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain of the viral polymerase gene (pol). The microarray was used to investigate the distribution of HERVs in non-human primates with particular focus on the differences between New World monkeys (NWMs) and other anthropoids. This is the first study examining most HERV families in multiple non-human primate DNAs using a uniform and sensitive method and suggests that major differences exist between primate groups. The results indicate that a major invasion and expansion of pol containing HERVs occurred after the platyrrhine (NWM) lineage separated from the catarrhines (Old World Monkeys and apes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex D Greenwood
- GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Molecular Virology, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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19
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Lavie L, Medstrand P, Schempp W, Meese E, Mayer J. Human endogenous retrovirus family HERV-K(HML-5): status, evolution, and reconstruction of an ancient betaretrovirus in the human genome. J Virol 2004; 78:8788-98. [PMID: 15280487 PMCID: PMC479102 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.78.16.8788-8798.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome harbors numerous distinct families of so-called human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) which are remnants of exogenous retroviruses that entered the germ line millions of years ago. We describe here the hitherto little-characterized betaretrovirus HERV-K(HML-5) family (named HERVK22 in Repbase) in greater detail. Out of 139 proviruses, only a few loci represent full-length proviruses, and many lack gag protease and/or env gene regions. We generated a consensus sequence from multiple alignment of 62 HML-5 loci that displays open reading frames for the four major retroviral proteins. Four HML-5 long terminal repeat (LTR) subfamilies were identified that are associated with monophyletic proviral bodies, implying different evolution of HML-5 LTRs and genes. Sequence analysis indicated that the proviruses formed approximately 55 million years ago. Accordingly, HML-5 proviral sequences were detected in Old World and New World primates but not in prosimians. No recent activity is associated with this HERV family. We also conclude that the HML-5 consensus sequence primer binding site is identical to methionine tRNA. Therefore, the family should be designated HERV-M. Our study provides important insights into the structure and evolution of the oldest betaretrovirus in the primate genome known to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Lavie
- Department of Human Genetics, Building 60, University of Saarland, Medical Faculty, 66421 Homburg, Germany
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20
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Mayer J, Meese EU. Presence of dUTPase in the various human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) families. J Mol Evol 2004; 57:642-9. [PMID: 14745533 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-003-2514-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2003] [Accepted: 07/02/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Various retroviruses have been shown to encode dUTPase. The overall phylogeny of dUTPase is unclear, though. The human genome contains a significant amount of human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) representing fossilized sequences of ancient exogenous retroviruses. A few HERV families have been reported to harbor dUTPase domains. We surveyed the various HERV families for the presence of dUTPase and found that ancestors of all HERV-K families but one encoded dUTPase. With two exceptions phylogenetic analysis shows a monophyletic origin of dUTPase for the different HERV-K dUTPases. Sequences of consensus dUTPase domains suggest that the various exogenous ancestors of HERV-K once encoded active enzymes. Our analysis provides informations on dUTPase phylogeny and further shows that endogenous retroviruses provide important informations regarding retrovirus evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Mayer
- Human Genetics, Building 60, University of Saar, Medical Faculty, 66421 Homburg, Germany.
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21
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Mayer J, Ehlhardt S, Seifert M, Sauter M, Müller-Lantzsch N, Mehraein Y, Zang KD, Meese E. Human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses with Rec protein coding capacity and transcriptional activity. Virology 2004; 322:190-8. [PMID: 15063128 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2004.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2003] [Revised: 01/09/2004] [Accepted: 01/26/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The human endogenous retrovirus family HERV-K(HML-2) encodes the so-called Rec protein that displays functional similarities to the HIV(REV) protein. The number of proviruses producing Rec protein was hitherto unknown. We therefore analyzed the human genome sequence data and determined seven HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses potentially capable of producing Rec both on the mRNA and the protein level. We analyzed Rec mRNA expression in the Tera-1 cell line and in synovial tissue, and in the expressed sequence tag (EST) database. Diagnostic nucleotides assigned transcriptionally active and Rec-encoding proviruses to human chromosomes 6, 7, 11, and 12. Differently spliced mRNAs were also identified. The various active proviruses encode almost identical Rec proteins. Our study contributes to the understanding of the biology of HERV-K(HML-2) Rec protein. Our study further demonstrates that minor sequence differences among proviruses allow assigning HERV transcripts to particular proviral loci. Extended studies will eventually yield a more complete image of HERV transcription, regulation, and biological significance in diverse human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Mayer
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Saarland, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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22
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Abstract
The retroviral capacity for integration into the host genome can give rise to endogenous retroviruses (ERVs): retroviral sequences that are transmitted vertically as part of the host germ line, within which they may continue to replicate and evolve. ERVs represent both a unique archive of ancient viral sequence information and a dynamic component of host genomes. As such they hold great potential as informative markers for studies of both virus evolution and host genome evolution. Numerous novel ERVs have been described in recent years, particularly as genome sequencing projects have advanced. This review discusses the evolution of ERV lineages, considering the processes by which ERV distribution and diversity is generated. The diversity of ERVs isolated so far is summarised in terms of both their distribution across host taxa, and their relationships to recognised retroviral genera. Finally the relevance of ERVs to studies of genome evolution, host disease and viral ecology is considered, and recent findings discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Gifford
- Department of Biological Sciences, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Buckhurst Road, Ascot Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
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23
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Pelisson A, Mejlumian L, Robert V, Terzian C, Bucheton A. Drosophila germline invasion by the endogenous retrovirus gypsy: involvement of the viral env gene. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2002; 32:1249-1256. [PMID: 12225916 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(02)00088-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The endogenous retrovirus gypsy is expressed at high levels in mutant flamenco female flies. Gypsy viral particles extracted from such flies can infect naive flamenco individuals raised in the presence of these extracts mixed into their food. This results in the integration of new proviruses into the germline genome. These proviruses can then increase their copy number by (1) expression in the flamenco female somatic cells, (2) transfer into the oocyte and (3) integration into the genome of the progeny. Surprisingly, unlike the infection observed in the feeding experiments, this strategy of endogenous proviral multiplication does not seem to involve the expression of the viral env gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pelisson
- I.G.H. du CNRS (UPR 1142), 141 rue de la Cardonille, Montpellier, France.
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24
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Abstract
A substantial amount of the human genome is composed of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Manifold HERV families have been identified, among them several so-called HERV-K(HML) families. Although the HERV-K(HML-2) family has been studied in detail, other HERV-K families are not as well characterized. We describe here the HERV-K HML-3 family in more detail. We estimate that there are about 140 proviral loci or remains of such per haploid genome. Most loci are severely mutated. Proviruses displaying larger deletions in gag and pol are common. A multiple alignment of 73 HERV-K(HML-3) sequences displays several potentially important differences compared with the HERVK9I sequence in Repbase. A consensus sequence with open reading frames for all retroviral genes was generated, for which intact dUTPase motifs and env gene variants with different coding capacities are observed. Phylogenetic analysis shows near-monophyly with distinction of two closely related subgroups. Proviruses formed about 36 million years ago. However, no continuous activity through primate evolution is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Mayer
- Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, University of Saar, Homburg, Germany.
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25
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Reus K, Mayer J, Sauter M, Zischler H, Müller-Lantzsch N, Meese E. HERV-K(OLD): ancestor sequences of the human endogenous retrovirus family HERV-K(HML-2). J Virol 2001; 75:8917-26. [PMID: 11533155 PMCID: PMC114460 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.75.19.8917-8926.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequences homologous to the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) family HERV-K(HML-2) are present in all Old World primate species. A previous study showed that a central region of the HERV-K(HML-2) gag genes in Hominoidea species displays a 96-bp deletion compared to the gag genes in lower Old World primates. The more ancient HERV-K(HML-2) sequences present in lower Old World primates were apparently not conserved during hominoid evolution, as opposed to the deletion variants. To further clarify the evolutionary origin of the HERV-K(HML-2) family, we screened GenBank with the 96-bp gag-sequence characteristic of lower Old World primates and identified, to date, 10 human sequence entries harboring either full-length or partially deleted proviral structures, probably representing remnants of a more ancient HERV-K(HML-2) variant. The high degree of mutations demonstrates the long-time presence of these HERV-K(OLD) proviruses in the genome. Nevertheless, they still belong to the HML-2 family as deduced from dot matrix and phylogenetic analyses. We estimate, based on the family ages of integrated Alu elements and on long terminal repeat (LTR) divergence data, that the average age of HERV-K(OLD) proviruses is ca. 28 million years, supporting an integration time before the evolutionary split of Hominoidea from lower Old World primates. Analysis of HERV-K(OLD) LTR sequences led to the distinction of two subgroups, both of which cluster with LTRs belonging to an evolutionarily older cluster. Taken together, our data give further insight into the evolutionary history of the HERV-K(HML-2) family during primate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Reus
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätskliniken des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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26
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Abstract
Genomic DNA is often thought of as the stable template of heredity, largely dormant and unchanging, apart from perhaps the occasional point mutation. But it has become increasingly clear that DNA is dynamic rather than static, being subjected to rearrangements, insertions and deletions. Much of this plasticity can be attributed to transposable elements and their genomic relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- E T Prak
- Department of Genetics, 475 Clinical Research Building, 415 Curie Boulevard, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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27
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Lebedev YB. Endogenous retroviruses: A possible role in human cell function. Mol Biol 2000. [DOI: 10.1007/bf02759563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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28
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Lindeskog M, Mager DL, Blomberg J. Isolation of a human endogenous retroviral HERV-H element with an open env reading frame. Virology 1999; 258:441-50. [PMID: 10366582 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1999.9750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
About 100 elements of the human endogenous retroviral HERV-H family have full-length env genes potentially coding for Env proteins with sequences highly similar to the immunosuppressive peptide CKS-17 from the MLV transmembrane protein p15E. However, previously sequenced HERV-H env genes have contained stop codons or framehifts. To isolate elements with open env reading frames, we first tried to assess the diversity of HERV-H env genes by comparing PCR-generated env sequences from genomic DNA with published HERV-H sequences. A region at the beginning of env displayed a similarity of 84-98% among 15 different elements. We then used a probe from one of the PCR-generated clones, 98% similar to the consensus sequence in this region, to screen a human genomic lambda library. Three HERV-H elements displaying ca. 98% identity in the env gene were isolated and were shown to have integrated relatively recently, after the divergence of the orangutan and the african great ape lineages. One of these elements, HERV-H19, had a 1752-bp open env reading frame, producing a 77-kDa Env protein in in vitro translation reactions. This is the first demonstration of a coding competent member of the HERV-H family. These findings raise the possibility that HERV-H Env proteins may play a biological role in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lindeskog
- Section of Virology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 23, Lund, S-22362, Sweden.
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29
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Donner H, Tönjes RR, Bontrop RE, Kurth R, Usadel KH, Badenhoop K. Intronic sequence motifs of HLA-DQB1 are shared between humans, apes and Old World monkeys, but a retroviral LTR element (DQLTR3) is human specific. TISSUE ANTIGENS 1999; 53:551-8. [PMID: 10395105 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-0039.1999.530605.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Long terminal repeats (LTRs) of the human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) family have been found at several sites within the human genome, of which one is located in the vicinity of HLA-DQB1. Since this DQLTR3 is only present on some haplotypes, we performed a linkage analysis in 130 Caucasian families. In order to date the integration event we also investigated the presence of this DQLTR3 in apes and Old World monkeys. Additionally, we sequenced the adjacent region of DQLTR3-positive and -negative haplotypes in humans, apes and old world monkeys to elucidate their evolution. Linkage analysis revealed a differential integration of DQLTR3 on specific HLA-DQ haploypes: there was a high frequency of this LTR on haplotypes containing HLA-DQB1*0302 (0.96) and a moderate frequency on HLA-DQB1*0402 (0.78), HLA-DQB1*0303 (0.44), HLA-DQB1*0502 (0.38) and HLA-DQB1*0301 (0.35). HLA-DQB1*0201 (0.18), HLA-DQB1*0503 (0.15), HLA-DQB1*0603 (0.15), HLA-DQB1*0602 (0.04), HLA-DQB1*0501 (0.03) and HLA-DQB1*0604 were rarely positive or devoid of DQLTR3. In apes and Old World primates there was no DQLTR3 rendering it a human specific insertion. Sequence analysis of the adjacent region showed two different motifs in humans corresponding to either presence or absence of DQLTR3. Two different motifs were observed within three sequences of Macaca mulatta: One motif is closely related to the sequence from Macaca nemestrina and Macaca fascicularis whereas the other sequence is more closely related with that of Papio papio and Cercopithecus aethiops. Therefore the analysis of retroviral elements as well as intronic sequences of MHC-DQB1 could help to clarify the evolution of this gene region as well the phylogenic relationship between humans, apes and Old World monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Donner
- Center of Internal Medicine, Medical Department I, University Hospital, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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30
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Mayer J, Sauter M, Rácz A, Scherer D, Mueller-Lantzsch N, Meese E. An almost-intact human endogenous retrovirus K on human chromosome 7. Nat Genet 1999; 21:257-8. [PMID: 10080172 DOI: 10.1038/6766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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31
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Berkhout B, Jebbink M, Zsíros J. Identification of an active reverse transcriptase enzyme encoded by a human endogenous HERV-K retrovirus. J Virol 1999; 73:2365-75. [PMID: 9971820 PMCID: PMC104482 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.73.3.2365-2375.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the numerous endogenous retroviral elements that are present in the human genome, the abundant HERV-K family is distinct because several members are transcriptionally active and coding for biologically active proteins. A detailed phylogeny of the HERV-K family based on the partial sequence of the reverse transcriptase (RT) gene revealed a high incidence of an intact RT open reading frame within the HML-2 subgroup of HERV-K elements. In this study, we report the cloning of six full-length HML-2 RT genes, of which five contain an uninterrupted open reading frame. The RT enzymes were expressed as glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins in Escherichia coli, and several HERV-K RT enzymes demonstrated polymerase as well as RNase H activity. Several biochemical properties of the RT polymerase were analyzed, including the template requirements and optimal reaction conditions (temperature, type of divalent cation). Inspection of the nucleotide sequence of the HERV-K RT genes demonstrated a mosaic structure, suggesting that a high level of genetic recombination has occurred in this virus family, which is a hallmark of replication by means of reverse transcription. The selective pressure to maintain the RT coding potential is illustrated by the sequence of a particular HERV-K isolate that contains three 1-nucleotide deletions within a small RT segment, thus maintaining the open reading frame. These combined results may suggest that these endogenous RT enzymes still have a biological function. It is possible that the RT activity was involved in the spread of this major class of retroelements by retrotransposition, and in fact it cannot be excluded that this retrovirus group is still mobile. The endogenous RT activity may also have been involved in the shaping of the human genome, e.g., by formation of pseudogenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Berkhout
- Department of Human Retrovirology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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