Henzy, J. E., Gifford, R. J. , Kenaley, C. P. and Johnson, W. E. (2017) An intact retroviral gene conserved in spiny-rayed fishes for over 100 My. Molecular Biology and Evolution, 34(3), pp. 634-639. (doi: 10.1093/molbev/msw262) (PMID:28039384)
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Abstract
We have identified a retroviral envelope gene with a complete, intact open reading frame (ORF) in 20 species of spiny-rayed fishes (Acanthomorpha). The taxonomic distribution of the gene, “percomORF”, indicates insertion into the ancestral lineage >110 Ma, making it the oldest known conserved gene of viral origin in a vertebrate genome. Underscoring its ancient provenence, percomORF exists as an isolated ORF within the intron of a widely conserved host gene, with no discernible proviral sequence nearby. Despite its remarkable age, percomORF retains canonical features of a retroviral glycoprotein, and tests for selection strongly suggest cooption for a host function. Retroviral envelope genes have been coopted for a role in placentogenesis by numerous lineages of mammals, including eutherians and marsupials, representing a variety of placental structures. Therefore percomORF’s presence within the group Percomorpha—unique among spiny-finned fishes in having evolved placentation and live birth—is especially intriguing.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | This work was supported in part by National Institutes of Health grant AI083118 (W.E.J.) and by start-up funds provided by Boston College. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Gifford, Dr Robert |
| Authors: | Henzy, J. E., Gifford, R. J., Kenaley, C. P., and Johnson, W. 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: | Molecular Biology and Evolution |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| ISSN: | 0737-4038 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1537-1719 |
| Published Online: | 26 December 2016 |
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