Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are viral genomic sequences that have been incorporated into the genome of germline cells of their hosts. These segments of viral genomes are then transmitted vertically within host DNA where they can be preserved for millions of years as molecular fossils. Being records of past viral infections, EVEs provide ancient and unknown viral sequences that help reconstruct the evolution of viruses and track virus-host interactions over extended periods. In addition, EVEs can sometimes be repurposed by their host to serve new cellular functions.
Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have led to an explosive accumulation of genome sequences across the Tree of Life, providing access to an immense library of EVEs and EVE-derived elements that remain to be discovered and characterized for the most.
With this Collection, Mobile DNA welcomes submissions of articles covering different fields of research on EVEs and EVE-derived elements in model and non-model organisms including the study of the deep evolution of viruses and host-virus interactions, the roles of EVEs in the biology of their hosts, overlaps in host responses to EVEs and mobile elements, and development of new computational tools and methods to identify and characterize EVEs.
