Phylogenomics of the Maverick Virus-Like Mobile Genetic Elements of Vertebrates

Mavericks are virus-like mobile genetic elements found in the genomes of eukaryotes. Although Mavericks encode capsid morphogenesis homologs, their viral particles have not been observed. Here, we provide new evidence supporting the viral nature of Mavericks and the potential existence of virions. To this end, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis of Mavericks in hundreds of vertebrate genomes, discovering 134 elements with an intact coding capacity in 17 host species. We reveal an extensive genomic fossil record in 143 species and date three groups of elements to the Late Cretaceous. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using genomic fossil orthologs suggests that Mavericks have infected osteichthyans for similar to 419My. They have undergone frequent cross-species transmissions in cyprinid fish and all core genes are subject to strong purifying selection. We conclude that vertebrate Mavericks form an ancient lineage of aquatic dsDNA viruses which are probably still functional in some vertebrate lineages.

Automated summary

This study provides new evidence supporting the viral nature of Mavericks and the potential existence of virions by conducting a phylogenomic analysis of Mavericks in hundreds of vertebrate genomes. It was found that Mavericks likely form an ancient lineage of aquatic dsDNA viruses, infecting osteichthyans for approximately 419 million years and undergoing frequent cross-species transmissions in cyprinid fish. All core genes of Mavericks are subject to strong purifying selection, suggesting their functional importance in some vertebrate lineages.