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A virophage at the origin of large DNA transposons

Science. 2011 Apr 8;332(6026):231-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1199412. Epub 2011 Mar 3.

Abstract

DNA transposons are mobile genetic elements that have shaped the genomes of eukaryotes for millions of years, yet their origins remain obscure. We discovered a virophage that, on the basis of genetic homology, likely represents an evolutionary link between double-stranded DNA viruses and Maverick/Polinton eukaryotic DNA transposons. The Mavirus virophage parasitizes the giant Cafeteria roenbergensis virus and encodes 20 predicted proteins, including a retroviral integrase and a protein-primed DNA polymerase B. On the basis of our data, we conclude that Maverick/Polinton transposons may have originated from ancient relatives of Mavirus, and thereby influenced the evolution of eukaryotic genomes, although we cannot rule out alternative evolutionary scenarios.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • DNA Transposable Elements*
  • DNA Viruses / genetics*
  • DNA Viruses / physiology*
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / genetics
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Genome, Viral
  • Integrases / chemistry
  • Integrases / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Satellite Viruses / genetics*
  • Satellite Viruses / physiology*
  • Stramenopiles / virology
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • DNA Transposable Elements
  • DNA, Viral
  • Viral Proteins
  • Integrases
  • DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase

Associated data

  • GENBANK/HQ712116