Viviparity and beyond: captured endogenous retroviral envelope genes drive teleost physiological innovations.

ABSTRACT: Endogenous retroviral envelope (ERV env) genes, notably syncytins, are known for driving placental development in mammals and lizards. However, their broader contributions to non-mammalian vertebrates, particularly viviparous fish, remain largely unexplored. Here, we present the discovery and functional characterization of three co-opted/captured ERV env gene clades, including a Percom-env clade comprising previously reported percomORF in the viviparous teleost Sebastes schlegelii. Our findings reveal that each gene clade plays a distinct and critical role in neural regulation, reproductive maturation, and viviparity. Notably, Percom-env percomORF retains fusogenic activity and its brain-specific expression is driven by conserved regulatory elements across Percomorpha. Meanwhile, Seb-env4

SUBMITTER: Song W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12813294 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature