A virophage at the origin of large DNA transposons |
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Authors: | Fischer Matthias G Suttle Curtis A |
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Affiliation: | Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 1365-2350 Health Sciences Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada. |
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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. |
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