The retrotransposon-derived capsid genes PNMA1 and PNMA4 maintain reproductive capacity.

ABSTRACT: Almost half of the human genome consists of retrotransposons-'parasitic' sequences that insert themselves into the host genome via an RNA intermediate. Although most of these sequences are silenced or mutationally deactivated, they can present opportunities for evolutionary innovation: mutation of a deteriorating retrotransposon can result in a gene that provides a selective advantage to the host in a process termed 'domestication'^1-3. The PNMA family of gag-like capsid genes was domesticated from an ancient vertebrate retrotransposon of the Metaviridae clade at least 100 million years ago^4,5. PNMA1 and PNMA4 are positively regulated by the master germ cell transcription factors MYBL1 and STRA8, and their transcripts are bound by the translational regulator DAZL durin

SUBMITTER: Wood TWP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12180178 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature