The Trajectory of KoRV-A Evolution Indicates Initial Integration into the Koala Germline Genome Near Coffs Harbour
2024
Evolution of Koala Retrovirus-A
Sample size: 405
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Yu Tianxiong, Blyton Michaela B.J., Koppetsch Birgit S., Abajorga Milky, Luban Jeremy, Chappell Keith, Theurkauf William E., Weng Zhiping
Hypothesis
Where did KoRV-A initially integrate into the koala genome?
Conclusion
The study suggests that KoRV-A initially integrated into the koala genome near Coffs Harbour and identifies barriers that affected its spread.
Supporting Evidence
- KoRV-A is spreading across wild koala populations through horizontal and vertical transmission.
- The initial endogenization of KoRV-A might have occurred less than 50,000 years ago.
- Certain subtypes of KoRV-A emerged and recombined with an ancient endogenous retrovirus.
- A geographic barrier north of Sydney may have slowed the southward spread of KoRV-A.
Takeaway
Scientists studied koalas to find out where a virus first became part of their DNA, and they think it happened near a place called Coffs Harbour.
Methodology
Whole-genome sequencing data from 405 wild koalas was analyzed.
Participant Demographics
Wild koalas from nearly the entire geographic range of the species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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