Endogenous Retroviruses in Trophoblast Differentiation and Placental Development

Black, S.G., Arnaud, F., Palmarini, M. and Spencer, T.E. (2010) Endogenous Retroviruses in Trophoblast Differentiation and Placental Development. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 64(4), pp. 255-264. (doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00860.x)

Abstract

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are present in the genome of all vertebrates and originated from infections of the germline of the host by exogenous retroviruses. ERVs have coevolved with their hosts for millions of years and are recognized to contribute to genome plasticity, protect the host against infection of related pathogenic and exogenous retroviruses, and play a vital role in development of the placenta. Consequently, some ERVs have been positively selected and maintained in the host genome throughout evolution. This review will focus on the critical role of ERVs in development of the mammalian placenta and specifically highlight the biological role of sheep JSRV-related endogenous betaretroviruses in conceptus (embryo and associated extraembryonic membranes) development

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Palmarini, Professor Massimo and Arnaud, Mr Frederick
• Authors: Black, S.G., Arnaud, F., Palmarini, M., and Spencer, T.E.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology
• ISSN: 1046-7408