Katzourakis, A., Gifford, R.J., Tristem, M., Gilbert, M.T.P. and Pybus, O.G. (2009) Macroevolution of complex retroviruses. Science, 325(5947), p. 1512. (doi: 10.1126/science.1174149)
Full text not currently available from Enlighten.
Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1174149
Abstract
Retroviruses can leave a “fossil record” in their hosts’ genomes in the form of endogenous retroviruses. Foamy viruses, complex retroviruses that infect mammals, have been notably absent from this record. We have found an endogenous foamy virus within the genomes of sloths and show that foamy viruses were infecting mammals more than 100 million years ago and codiverged with their hosts across an entire geological era. Our analysis highlights the role of evolutionary constraint in maintaining viral genome structure and indicates that accessory genes and mammalian mechanisms of innate immunity are the products of macroevolutionary conflict played out over a geological time scale.
Item Type: | Articles |
---|---|
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Gifford, Dr Robert |
Authors: | Katzourakis, A., Gifford, R.J., Tristem, M., Gilbert, M.T.P., and Pybus, O.G. |
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: | Science |
Publisher: | American Association for the Advancement of Science |
ISSN: | 0036-8075 |
ISSN (Online): | 1095-9203| |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record