Multiple sclerosis retrovirus-like envelope gene: Role of the chromosome 20 insertion.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genetic basis involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility was not completely revealed by genome-wide association studies. Part of it could lie in repetitive sequences, as those corresponding to human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs). Retrovirus-like particles were isolated from MS patients and the genome of the MS-associated retrovirus (MSRV) was the founder of the HERV-W family. We aimed to ascertain which chromosomal origin encodes the pathogenic ENV protein by genomic analysis of the HERV-W insertions.

Methods/results

In silico analyses allowed to uncover putative open reading frames containing the specific sequence previously reported for MSRV-like envelope (env) detection. Out of the 261 genomic insertions of HERV-W env, only 9 copies harbor the spe

SUBMITTER: Varade J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4669942 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature