Endogenous retroelemens of fish and molluscs

Abstract

Aim. Analysis of scientific literature sources devoted to the study of retroelements of fish and mollusks. Results. It is shown that endogenous retroelements are widespread both among fish and mollusks. Endogenous retroviruses of fish, like exogenous ones, are also widespread, but their total number in the genomes of fish is much less than in other vertebrates. The Steamer retroelement, the presence of which is associated with the development of tumors in molluscs, can be transmitted horizontally between these invertebrates. In addition, it is able to pass into organisms of other types of aquatic animals, including vertebrates, sea urchins and corals. Conclusions. The study of the retroelements of fish and molluscs, as the most ancient organisms, makes it possible to more fully trace the stages of evolution of aquatic animals. It was shown that retroelements of fish and molluscs play an important role in the development of antiviral defense in vertebrates. The low cost of mollusks and well-developed methods of their cultivation put these invertebrates at the forefront as model systems for studying the molecular mechanisms of tumor processes in vertebrates and humans.Keywords: retroelements, fish, molluscs, tumors.