Chromosomal assignment of human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) env open reading frames

Cytogenet Cell Genet. 1997;79(1-2):157-61. doi: 10.1159/000134709.

Abstract

The haploid human genome contains at least one human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) env gene displaying an open reading frame, as evidenced by the high antibody titers against HERV-K Env in germ cell tumor patients at the time of tumor detection. However, the chromosomal assignment of an intact HERV-K env sequence is complicated by the existence of 25-30 HERV-K copies per haploid human genome. Recently, we reported the application of the protein truncation test (PTT) to chromosomally assign HERV-K gag open reading frames. Here, we set out to determine the chromosomal distribution of full-length HERV-K env genes. As demonstrated by somatic hybrid mapping and the PTT, HERV-K env open reading frames were found on human chromosomes 7, 19, and Y. By sequencing chromosome-specific HERV-K env subregions, we assigned two recently reported intact HERV-K sequences on human chromosomes 7 and 19, respectively. Chromosomes 7 and 19 and the Y are furthermore candidates for harboring a putative completely intact HERV-K locus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19*
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7*
  • Gene Products, env / genetics*
  • Genome, Human
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / genetics
  • Open Reading Frames / genetics
  • Retroviridae / genetics*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Y Chromosome*

Substances

  • Gene Products, env

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF023261
  • GENBANK/AF027650
  • GENBANK/AF027651