Primates have co-opted a viral gene to produce an envelope protein that prevents infection by the HERV-T virus and likely contributed to the extinction of this virus.
Daniel Blanco-Melo, Robert J Gifford, Paul D Bieniasz
The reconstitution of a functional envelope protein from an extinct hominid retrovirus reveals its receptor and an ancient host defense that may have led to the extinction of the virus.
To protect the germ line genome, chickens acquire new small RNA-based immune defense in response to recently endogenized retroviruses by turning a truncated provirus into a weapon.
Male C. elegans die through two distinct mechanisms – mating-induced germline activation, and potent male pheromone toxicity – but the latter is unique to males of androdioecious species (made up of hermaphrodites and males).
The common view that the mitochondrion endowed eukaryotes with a boost in bioenergetic capacity above that in prokaryotes is inconsistent with a diversity of cellular features.
James G Granneman, Vickie A Kimler ... Ryan Thummel
Phylogenetic, biochemical, and genetic techniques reveal a novel and ancient member of the Perilipin family, termed Plin6, that functions to concentrate and traffic lipophilic skin pigment in teleost fish.
James E Gomez, Benjamin B Kaufmann-Malaga ... Deborah T Hung
Mutations in several components of a bacterial ribosome are shown to broadly decrease antibiotic and stress sensitivity, and readily accessible reversion mutations allow these ribosomal mutations to serve as stepping stones to high level antibiotic resistance.
Molecular profiling of annelid myocytes reveals that the last common protostome-deuterostome ancestor already possessed a dual musculature, with visceral smooth muscles ensuring digestion and somatic striated muscles ensuring locomotion.
Fidelis T Masao, Elgidius B Ichumbaki ... Giorgio Manzi
Bipedal footprints made 3.66 million years ago provide the clearest available evidence to date of the occurrence of marked body size variation in Australopithecus afarensis..
