4.2 Article

An endogenous lentivirus in the germline of a rodent

Journal

RETROVIROLOGY
Volume 19, Issue 1, Pages -

Publisher

BMC
DOI: 10.1186/s12977-022-00615-2

Keywords

Retrovirus; Lentivirus; Evolution; Ecology; Endogenous retrovirus; Paleovirology

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Funding

  1. Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom
  2. NIH [MC_UU_12014/12]

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This study reports a previously unknown endogenous lentivirus lineage in the genome of the South African springhare, revealing that the host range of lentiviruses has historically extended to rodents. Through comparative and phylogenetic analysis of virus and host genomes, the long-term evolutionary history of the genus is further understood by considering biogeographic and ecological characteristics of host species.
Lentiviruses (genus Lentivirus) are complex retroviruses that infect a broad range of mammals, including humans. Unlike many other retrovirus genera, lentiviruses have only rarely been incorporated into the mammalian germline. However, a small number of endogenous retrovirus (ERV) lineages have been identified, and these rare genomic fossils can provide crucial insights into the long-term history of lentivirus evolution. Here, we describe a previously unreported endogenous lentivirus lineage in the genome of the South African springhare (Pedetes capensis), demonstrating that the host range of lentiviruses has historically extended to rodents (order Rodentia). Furthermore, through comparative and phylogenetic analysis of lentivirus and ERV genomes, considering the biogeographic and ecological characteristics of host species, we reveal broader insights into the long-term evolutionary history of the genus.

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