The main difference between LTR retrotransposons and retroviruses is the presence of the envelope (env) gene in the latter, downstream of the pol gene. The env gene is involved in their infectious capacity. Here we report the presence of env-like sequences in the genome of Quercus suber (cork oak), one of the most economically important Portuguese species. These gene sequences were isolated through DNA amplification between RNaseH conserved motifs and 3' LTR, based on the structure of copia retrotransposons. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that almost all the clones isolated are clustered with Cyclops-2, a Ty3-gypsy element identified in Pisum sativum, except one clustered with gypsy and copia retroelements found in different species. This suggests the existence of a potential ancestral sequence of the env gene, prior to the separation of Ty3-gypsy and Ty1-copia retrotransposons. Additionally, the isolated env-like sequences showed 26?39% of homology with env-like sequences characterized in viruses. The origin of env-like sequences in retrotransposons from host plant taxa is discussed.
Retroviral envelope (env)-like sequences in 2 cultivated allotetraploid cottons and their diploid progenitors have been identified and characterized in this study. DNA sequence analysis reveals that these sequences are heterogeneous. The observed sequence diversity, however, seems to preserve coding information. This is evidenced by the detection of the transmembrane domain (TM), which is the most conserved feature of the divergent retroviral env genes. The high ratio of synonymous to nonsynonymous changes suggests that these sequences are evolving under purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis shows that Gossypium sequences closely cluster with a lineage of plant endogenous retroviruses that have an env-like gene. These results provide evidence for the antiquity and the wide diversity of env-like sequences in the Gossypium genome.
The killer phenotype of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains is based upon the presence of viruses in the cytoplasm of the yeast cells. Resent analysis of the molecular basis in these phenomenon let researchers to reveal its molecular mechanism and ecological function. Mammalian transmissible spongiform encephalopathiesare is likely due to the propagation of an abnormal form of some protein. Such infectious agents, which are termed prions, exist in yeasts. This review highlights the variety of infectious elements present in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as their influence on the yeasts properties.
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