DNA Editing of LTR Retrotransposons Reveals the Impact of APOBECs on Vertebrate Genomes.

ABSTRACT: Long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR) are widespread in vertebrates and their dynamism facilitates genome evolution. However, these endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) must be restricted to maintain genomic stability. The APOBECs, a protein family that can edit C-to-U in DNA, do so by interfering with reverse transcription and hypermutating retrotransposon DNA. In some cases, a retrotransposon may integrate into the genome despite being hypermutated. Such an event introduces a unique sequence into the genome, increasing retrotransposon diversity and the probability of developing new function at the locus of insertion. The prevalence of this phenomenon and its effects on vertebrate genomes are still unclear. In this study, we screened ERV sequences in the genomes of 123 diverse species and

SUBMITTER: Knisbacher BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4866542 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature