The lemur genome fossils reveal the origin and evolution of HIV as well as other lentiviruses in primates

According to a study conducted by Dr. Cédric Feschotte of the University of Texas - Arlington, a type of retrovirus that is associated with HIV can be incorporated into the genome of some lemurs living 4.2 million years ago. New analysis of immunodeficiency virus in the semisolid kit (pSIV) has yielded new information about the evolution of lentiviruses.

During the dichotomy, retroviruses combine with the host cell chromosomes. If the protozoan is infected with the retrovirus gene, the viral DNA can be passed down from parent to child, eventually assimilated and becomes part of the host's genetic material. This process has been repeated in the evolutionary process, and has resulted in many types of retroviruses, which have resulted in an increase in the genome of many vertebrate animals - about 8% of the human genome. Until now, this process is thought to be very rare for lentiviruses, a group of hidden retroviruses that affect many mammals, including humans (in the form of immunodeficiency virus. in HIV people).

Family lemur in Madagascar. (Photo: iStockphoto)

Based on the genetic sequences of fossils collected from various lemur species, the researchers recreated the complete and original DNA sequence of the ancestors lentivirus a half-sale.The discovery of two endemic lemurs of Madagascar with an independent but almost simultaneous virus and germline pSIV infection provided evidence that repeated lentiviruses have been introduced into the germ line of species sold. almost.

These findings pave the way for future functional studies of extinct viruses and increase our understanding of the biological mechanisms of lentiviruses, including HIV. In addition, the characteristics of this ancient virus in lemurs suggest that HIV-like retroviruses still circulate in mammal populations in Madagascar today.

Refer:
Gilbert et al.Parallel Germline Infiltration of a Lentivirus in Two Malagasy Lemurs.PLoS Genetics, 2009;5 (3): e1000425 DOI: 10.1371 / journal.pgen.1000425