Evolution of Feline Papillomaviruses and Their Hosts
Author Information
Author(s): Annabel Rector, Philippe Lemey, Ruth Tachezy, Sarah Mostmans, Shin-Je Ghim, Koenraad Van Doorslaer, Melody Roelke, Mitchell Bush, Richard J Montali, Janis Joslin, Robert D Burk, Alfred B Jenson, John P Sundberg, Beth Shapiro, Marc Van Ranst
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Clinical & Epidemiological Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven
Hypothesis
Can the evolutionary rates of feline papillomaviruses be estimated by correlating their divergence with host species?
Conclusion
The study provides evidence for long-term virus-host co-speciation of feline papillomaviruses, suggesting that viral diversity can be used to investigate host species evolution.
Supporting Evidence
- The evolutionary relationships between feline papillomaviruses mirror those of their feline hosts.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the host phylogeny can be used to calibrate the viral evolutionary clock.
- Viral diversity in slowly evolving viruses can provide insights into ancient host evolutionary processes.
Takeaway
This study shows that viruses can evolve alongside their animal hosts, helping us understand how both the viruses and their hosts have changed over time.
Methodology
Complete genomes of four feline papillomaviruses were sequenced and analyzed using phylogenetic methods.
Limitations
The findings may not be applicable to other viral lineages without prior confirmation of virus-host co-divergence.
Participant Demographics
Feline species including bobcats, Florida panthers, Asian lions, and snow leopards.
Statistical Information
P-Value
1.95 × 10-8
Confidence Interval
1.32 × 10-8 to 2.47 × 10-8
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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