Many classes of transposons and retrotransposons have invaded and shaped the genomes of their metazoan hosts. Class I transposons (i.e. retrotransposons) include both elements which contain long terminal repeats (LTRs) and many others lacking LTRs.

Along with retroviruses, retrotransposons share a fundamental mechanism of mobilisation through reverse transcription of an RNA template, via enzymatic activity of a reverse transcriptase.

Unlike retroviruses, retrotransposons remain entirely intracellular during their life cycle. Several distinctive and overlapping genome defense mechanisms have been developed over evolutionary time, as host organisms have fought back against these mobile retroelements. The ongoing conflict between these myriad genomic parasites and their widespread host organisms has resulted in positive and deleterious consequences including exaptation, genomic deletions, certain diseases including cancers, and the generation of diversity probably including the formation of new species.

Further reading: Retroviruses: Molecular Biology, Genomics and Pathogenesis

Labels: Exaptation, Metazoan, retroelements, Retrotransposon, Retrotransposons, Transposon, Transposons

September 21 - 23, 2009 Frontiers of Retrovirology: complex retroviruses, retroelements and their hosts
Montpellier, France Further information
This conference will bring together leading human retrovirus researchers to review current progress and to chart future challenges. Internationally renowned speakers will present their insights into the principles guiding the life cycle of endogenous retroelements, complex human retroviruses, and their pathogenic interactions with the hosts. Cutting edge presentations will be delivered by internationally renowned researchers. Short oral platform presentations and posters will be selected from registrants. A limited number of scholarships will be available.
Suggested reading: Virology Books

Labels: retroelements, retrovirology, retroviruses