Endogenization of a Prosimian Retrovirus during Lemur Evolution

Studies of viruses that coevolved with lemurs provide an opportunity to understand the basal traits primate and evolutionary context for host-virus interactions. Germline integration endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are fossil evidence past infections. Hence, characterization novel ERVs provides insight into ancient precursors extant history their hosts. Here, we report discovery a retrovirus present in genome lemur, Coquerel’s sifaka (Propithecus coquereli). Using next-generation sequencing, identified characterized complete sequence retrovirus, named prosimian 1 (PSRV1). Phylogenetic analyses indicate PSRV1 is gamma-type betaretrovirus other betaretroviruses most closely related simian retroviruses. Molecular clock analysis long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences estimated time endogenization within 4.56 MYA (±2.4 MYA), placing it after divergence Propithecus species. These results important milestone lemur evolution during radiation genus. findings may have implications both human animal health acquisition env gene endogenized could facilitate cross-species jump between vertebrate class