2024.09.18
Endogenous retrovirus ERV-DC8 highly integrated in domestic cat populations is a replication-competent provirus
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are a collection of genetic sequences arising from ancient retroviral infections. We have now discovered that ERV-DC8, an ERV retained by domestic cats for tens of thousands of years, persists as a gene while maintaining infectivity and autonomous replication capacity. Furthermore, examining domestic cats from various countries worldwide revealed a high prevalence of ERV-DC8 carriage. Domestic cats and ERVs share a remarkable symbiotic relationship. Notably, no ERVs exhibiting such infectivity and replication capacity have yet been discovered in humans.
- Division of Translational Research for One Medicine
- Kazuo Nishigaki（Pathogenetic and Preventive Veterinary Science）
- Ariko Miyake（Pathogenetic and Preventive Veterinary Science）
- Paper Title：Endogenous retrovirus ERV-DC8 highly integrated in domestic cat populations is a replication-competent provirus
- Publication：Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
- D O I：https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150521
- Author：Didik Pramono#, Yutaro Muto#, Yo Shimazu, R.M.C. Deshapriya, Isaac Makundi, MariaCruz Arnal, Daniel Fernandez de Luco, Minh Ha Ngo, Ariko Miyake, Kazuo Nishigaki
＜Research Inquiries＞
Yamaguchi University Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Kazuo Nishigaki
E-mail: kaz@yamaguchi-u.ac.jp
＜Public Relations Inquiries＞
Yamaguchi University The Research Institute for Cell Design and Medical Science(Life Science Support Section, Research Institute Division, Academic Research Department)
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