A new class of endogenous human retroviral genomes

Science. 1985 Jun 7;228(4704):1208-11. doi: 10.1126/science.2408338.

Abstract

Human DNA contains multiple copies of a novel class of endogenous retroviral genomes. Analysis of a human recombinant DNA clone (HLM-2) containing one such proviral genome revealed that it is a mosaic of retroviral-related sequences with the organization and length of known endogenous retroviral genomes. The HLM-2 long terminal repeat hybridized with the long terminal repeat of the squirrel monkey virus, a type D retrovirus. The HLM-2 gag and pol genes share extensive nucleotide sequence homology with those of the M432 retrovirus (a type A-related retrovirus), mouse mammary tumor virus (a type B retrovirus), and the avian Rous sarcoma virus (a type C retrovirus). Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed regions in the HLM-2 pol gene that were as much as 70 percent identical to the mouse mammary tumor virus pol gene. A portion of the putative HLM-2 env gene hybridized with the corresponding region of the M432 viral genome.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Antigens, Viral / genetics
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes
  • Gene Products, gag
  • Genes, Viral
  • Humans
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / genetics
  • Retroviridae / classification
  • Retroviridae / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Gene Products, gag
  • Viral Proteins
  • RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
  • DNA Restriction Enzymes

Associated data

  • GENBANK/M11348