Functional human endogenous retroviral LTR transcription start sites are located between the R and U5 regions

Virology. 2006 Mar 15;346(2):373-8. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.11.007. Epub 2005 Dec 7.

Abstract

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) occupy about 5% of human DNA and are thought to be remnants of ancient retroviral infections of human ancestors' germ cells. HERVs can modify expression of host cell genes through their cis-regulatory elements concentrated in their long terminal repeats (LTRs). Although numerous HERV-related RNAs were identified in the human transcriptome, for most of them, it remains unclear whether they are LTR-promoted or read-through products initiated from neighboring genomic promoters. Here, we describe mapping of transcriptional start sites within solitary and proviral LTRs of the HERV-K (HML-2) human-specific subfamily of endogenous retroviruses. Surprisingly, the transcription was initiated predominantly from the very 3' termini of the LTR R regions. The data presented here may shed light on adaptive coevolution of human endogenous retroviruses with their host cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Complementary / chemistry
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Endogenous Retroviruses / genetics*
  • Endogenous Retroviruses / physiology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / analysis
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Terminal Repeat Sequences*
  • Transcription Initiation Site*
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Viral

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY944070
  • GENBANK/AY944071
  • GENBANK/AY944072
  • GENBANK/AY944073
  • GENBANK/AY944074