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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Genome Instability in DNA Viruses

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Genome instability generally refers to the appearance of a high frequency of mutations in a single genome, including point mutations, insertions/deletions, or major rearrangements. DNA viruses usually show greater genome stability than RNA viruses. However, recent genome-wide molecular evolution and experimental studies have shown that DNA viruses can exhibit rapid sequence changes that are often found in loci involved in dynamic host–virus interactions. In fact, DNA viruses are capable of promoting genome instability specifically at certain genes, thus boosting diversity wherein needed. We review some of the molecular mechanisms underlying genomic instability in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA viruses. These mechanisms include diversity-generating retro-elements, recombination-driven gene amplification, and editing by host-encoded deaminases. We also discuss the interplays between DNA viruses and host postreplicative repair pathways, and their potential implications for viral genome instability. Recently developed high-fidelity ultra-deep sequencing technologies have now provided a powerful tool for investigating mutation rates and genome instability in DNA viruses.