Identification of an endogenous retroviral envelope gene with fusogenic activity and placenta-specific expression in the rabbit: a new "syncytin" in a third order of mammals

Abstract excerpt

BACKGROUND: Syncytins are envelope genes of retroviral origin that have been co-opted by the host to mediate a specialized function in placentation. Two of these genes have already been identified in primates, as well as two distinct, non orthologous genes in rodents. RESULTS: Here we identified within the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus-which belongs to the lagomorpha order- an envelope (env) gene of retroviral...

Topics

Share this publication in a Topic to start or enrich a Post.

• Share to Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
• Share to Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies