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A reptilian endogenous foamy virus sheds light on the early evolution of retroviruses.

ABSTRACT: Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) represent host genomic 'fossils' of ancient viruses. Foamy viruses, including those that form endogenous copies, provide strong evidence for virus-host co-divergence across the vertebrate phylogeny. Endogenous foamy viruses (EFVs) have previously been discovered in mammals, amphibians, and fish. Here we report a novel endogenous foamy virus, termed ERV-Spuma-Spu, in genome of the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), an endangered reptile species endemic to New Zealand. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that foamy viruses have likely co-diverged with their hosts over many millions of years. The discovery of ERV-Spuma-Spu fills a major gap in the fossil record of foamy viruses and provides important insights into the early evolution of retroviruses.

SUBMITTER: Wei X

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6393741 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A reptilian endogenous foamy virus sheds light on the early evolution of retroviruses.

Wei Xiaoman X Chen Yicong Y Duan Guangqian G Holmes Edward C EC Cui Jie J

Virus evolution 20190101 1

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) represent host genomic 'fossils' of ancient viruses. Foamy viruses, including those that form endogenous copies, provide strong evidence for virus-host co-divergence across the vertebrate phylogeny. Endogenous foamy viruses (EFVs) have previously been discovered in mammals, amphibians, and fish. Here we report a novel endogenous foamy virus, termed ERV-Spuma-Spu, in genome of the tuatara (<i>Sphenodon punctatus</i>), an endangered reptile species endemic to New Zea ...[more]

PMID: 30838130

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