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Content archived on 2022-12-23

Chromosomal distribution and biological function of human endogenous retroviral elements

Objective



Human endogenous retroviral elements (HERVS) comprise about 0.6% of the human genome. They are thought to have acted as a constructive driving force in evolution and contributed in shaping the human genome by intracellular transposition and by generating hot spots of recombination. Furthermore, some of these elements have acquired cellular function, e. g. in regulation of gene expression. In addition, HERVS represent a reservoir of possibly pathogenic retroviral genes and are believed to be involved in insertion mutagenesis and chromosome rearrangements. In this project We will examine the cromosomal distribution and expression of HERVS in order to obtain information on their biological function and pathogenic potental. Furthermore, we expect to obtain more insight in the architecture of the human genome and the role of HERVS in shaping it.
We will isolate HERV sequences that are expressed in normal and malignant human tissues. These will be characterized by sequence analysis and assigned to HERV families. Comparison of various HERV sequences will allow us to understand the phylogeny of HERV families and assist in developing a more definite nomenclature. The chromosomal location of specific HERV Sequences and banding profiles of distinct HERV families will be determined and used to develop chromosome-specific markers. We further plan to use HERV sequences for physical mapping of chromosome regions of special interest, e. g. for regions involved in chromosome rearrangements associated with human cancer. HERV cdnas with open reading frames will be expressed in appropriate vectors and antibodies will be generated. The possibility of diagnostic application and the use of these sequences as tumor markers will be evaluated. This project is a joint effort of the major European groups working on HERVS and will cover all important types of HERV elements analysed to date.

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Coordinator

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
EU contribution
No data
Address
Wiesbadenerstraße 7-11
68305 Mannheim
Germany

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Total cost

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Participants (1)

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