Following the recent availability of high-coverage genomes for Denisovan and Neanderthal hominids, we conducted a screen for endogenized retroviruses, identifying six novel, previously unreported HERV-K(HML2) elements (HERV-K is human endogenous retrovirus K). These elements are absent from the human genome (hg38) and appear to be unique to archaic hominids. These findings provide further evidence supporting the recent activity of the HERV-K(HML2) group, which has been implicated in human disease. They will also provide insights into the evolution of archaic hominids.
Lee, AHuntley, DAiewsakun, PKanda, RLynn, CTristem, M
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences\Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
Year of publication: 2014Date of RADAR deposit: 2016-07-26
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/