Journal of Genetics and Genomes

Department of Medical Microbiology, University Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

Publications

• Review Article   
  Reverse Transcription of Corona and other RNA viruses
  Author(s): Karin Moelling
  
  The human genome is full of endogenized DNA copies from retroviruses. Not only retroviruses but almost all RNA viruses can leave DNA footprints in mammalian genomes. The viral DNA sequences from RNA viruses often cover single structural viral genes not the full-length viral genomes and are unable to produce infectious virus particles. Molecular clocks allow to date endogenization events back to about 90 Million years, but they are still ongoing. Endogenous sequences often maintain an open reading frame suggesting that they are selected for some function and supply some evolutionary benefits for the host. Indeed, the sequences protect against superinfection by related viruses and against disease. The viral DNA copies require a reverse transcriptase for DNA synthesis from the viral RNA. This enzyme is available from mobile genetic elements such as retr.. Read More»
  

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