Retroviral Elements and Their Hosts: Insertional Mutagenesis in the Mouse Germ Line

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.0020002
• Publication Date: 2006-01-17T01:07:28Z
• Authors: Irina A Maksakova; Mark T Romanish; Liane Gagnier; Catherine A Dunn; Louie N. van de L...; Dixie L Mager
• Keywords: Endogenous retrovirus; Insertional mutagenesis; Retrotransposon; Laboratory mouse

The inbred mouse is an invaluable model for human biology and disease. Nevertheless, when considering genetic mechanisms of variation disease, it important to appreciate the significant differences in spectra spontaneous mutations that distinguish these species. While insertions transposable elements are responsible only ~0.1% de novo humans, figure 100-fold higher laboratory mouse. This striking difference largely due ongoing activity endogenous retroviral elements. Here we briefly review retroviruses (ERVs) their influence on gene expression, analyze interaction between ERVs host cell, summarize variety caused by ERV insertions. prevalence indicates genome presently behind "arms race" against invasion.