High Expression of Endogenous Retroviral Envelope Gene in the Equine Fetal Part of the Placenta.

ABSTRACT: Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are proviral phases of exogenous retroviruses that have co-evolved with vertebrate genomes for millions of years. Previous studies have identified the envelope (env) protein genes of retroviral origin preferentially expressed in the placenta which suggests a role in placentation based on their membrane fusogenic capacity and therefore they have been named syncytins. Until now, all the characterized syncytins have been associated with three invasive placentation types: the endotheliochorial (Carnivora), the synepitheliochorial (Ruminantia), and the hemochorial placentation (human, mouse) where they play a role in the syncytiotrophoblast formation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether EqERV env RNA is expressed in horse tissues as well and i

SUBMITTER: Stefanetti V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4866760 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature