Figure 1

A schematic representation of PaERV-βA. Two transcripts were identified in the P. alecto Illumina sequenced transcriptome that overlapped by 3,152 nt with 100% sequence identity which were used to assemble the PaERV-βA genomic sequence. Indicated are the retroviral genes gag, pro, pol, and env, which have been rendered defective by random mutation since integration. Also shown are the key enzymatic active sites of the viral protease (D×G), reverse transcriptase (DDD), and integrase (DDE); the betaretroviral dUTPase domain in pro; two unique open reading frames (ORFs); the polypurine tract (PPT); and the (Unique 3') (U3) region. ORF* does not appear to be genuine, but rather has arisen as a result of an insertion mutation that has disrupted a stop codon.