Project description:5-methylcytosine (5mC) is a widespread silencing mechanism that controls genomic parasites. However, in many eukaryotes 5mC has gained complex roles in gene regulation beyond parasite control. Animals are a paradigmatic case for 5mC evolution, as they show widespread variability across lineages, ranging from gene regulation and transposable element control to loss of this base modification. Here we show that the protist animal relative Amoebidium appalachense displays both transposon and gene body methylation, a pattern reminiscent of invertebrates and plants. Unexpectedly, large hypermethylated regions of the Amoebidium genome derive from viral insertions, including hundreds of endogenised giant viruses contributing 14% of the encoded genes. Using a combination of inhibitors and functional genomic assays, we demonstrate that 5mC silences these giant virus insertions. Moreover, alternative Amoebidium isolates show polymorphic giant virus insertions, highlighting a dynamic process of infection, endogenisation and purging. Therefore we propose that 5mC is critical for the controlled co-existence of newly acquired viral DNA into eukaryotic genomes, making Amoebidium a unique model to understand the hybrid origins of eukaryotic genomes.
Project description:Antivirals are compounds used since the 1960s that can interfere with viral development. Some of these antivirals can be isolated from a variety of sources, such as animals, plants, bacteria or fungi, while others must be obtained by chemical synthesis, either designed or random. Antivirals display a variety of mechanisms of action, and while some of them enhance the animal immune system, others block a specific enzyme or a particular step in the viral replication cycle. As viruses are mandatory intracellular parasites that use the host's cellular machinery to survive and multiply, it is essential that antivirals do not harm the host. In addition, viruses are continually developing new antiviral resistant strains, due to their high mutation rate, which makes it mandatory to continually search for, or develop, new antiviral compounds. This review describes natural and synthetic antivirals in chronological order, with an emphasis on natural compounds, even when their mechanisms of action are not completely understood, that could serve as the basis for future development of novel and/or complementary antiviral treatments.
Project description:Interventions: Genomic test CANCERPLEX-JP OncoGuide NCC oncopanel system FndationONe CDx genome profile GUARDANT360 MSI Analysis System BRACAnalysis
Primary outcome(s): Development of genome database
Study Design: Single arm Non-randomized