A provirus put to work
Article Abstract:
A screen to isolate secreted proteins has led to the identification of a complementary DNA forecast to encode a protein with homology to a number of other retroviral Envs. This protein, named syncytin, is expressed at high levels in the placenta, specifically in the syncytiotrophoblast layer. The provirus that seems to encode syncytin has undergone inactivating mutations in other viral genes. It was established that trophoblast fusion is associated with a rise in syncytin gene transcription and could also be inhibited by anti-syncytin antibody treatment. It seems that one of the niche roles of endogenous retroviruses involves placental development.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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Retrovirus restriction revealed
Article Abstract:
Retrovirology reveals that the Friend (murine leukemia) virus, Fv1, interacts with B-type and N-type viruses to encode the cell-surface of receptors for the virus with mutations to prevent its entry. All retroviruses have gag, pol, and env gene coding for the major virion proteins. Resistance to infection by retroviruses helps in anti-HIV therapies. The Fv1 gene lacks introns, promoters, and polyadenylation signals in its structure.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Proviruses pose potential problems
Article Abstract:
Evidence have shown that one pig cell line produces a retrovirus that can cause infection to human cells. Retroviruses that have grown in human cells are already resistant to lysis by human complement which means that no further barrier will spread by this mechanism during a viral breakout. Conventional breeding techniques could be used to generate pigs that do not carry proviruses which could infect human cells.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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