Gypsy Retrovirus in Drosophila Species
Author Information
Author(s): Llorens Jose V, Clark Jonathan B, Martínez-Garay Isabel, Soriano Sirena, de Frutos Rosa, Martínez-Sebastián María J
Primary Institution: Departament de Genètica, Universitat de València
Hypothesis
Can gypsy homologous sequences from various Drosophila species maintain their infectious capability?
Conclusion
Most species analyzed can produce a functional Env protein, indicating the potential for maintaining the infectious capability of gypsy.
Supporting Evidence
- The env gene was found to be intact in several species, suggesting potential infectivity.
- Functional Env proteins were produced in vitro from species with complete env sequences.
- Horizontal transfer of gypsy elements is suggested by the incongruence of gypsy and species phylogenies.
Takeaway
This study found that many Drosophila species can make a part of a virus that helps it infect, showing that these species might still be able to spread the virus.
Methodology
Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the env gene from ten Drosophila species and one Scaptomyza species.
Limitations
The expression of the env gene may be repressed in some species, affecting the potential for producing the Env protein.
Participant Demographics
Ten species from the obscura group and one species from the Scaptomyza genus.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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