K. Kitao

Long-read sequencing reveals transposable element-derived chimeric transcripts at zygotic genome activation in mammalian embryos

This study uses long-read sequencing to identify chimeric transcripts from transposable elements in mouse and bovine embryos during zygotic genome activation, revealing species-specific patterns.

Birth of protein-coding exons by ancient domestication of LINE retrotransposon

The paper identifies a novel mechanism by which LINE-1 retrotransposons contribute to the birth of lineage-specific proteins through alternative splicing, resulting in chimeric proteins like Lyosin.

Dynamic evolution of retroviral envelope genes in egg-laying mammalian genomes

The paper identifies and characterizes env-ORFs in monotreme genomes, showing that fusogenic retroviral genes exist in egg-laying mammals, not just placental ones.

Monotreme-specific conserved proteins derived from retroviral reverse transcriptase

The paper identifies three monotreme-specific reverse transcriptase-like genes derived from ERVs in platypus and echidna genomes, showing their conservation and testis-specific expression.

An ancient retroviral RNA element hidden in mammalian genomes and its involvement in co-opted retroviral gene regulation

The paper identifies a conserved retroviral RNA element, SPRE, present in multiple ERV-derived genes across mammals and shows its role in enhancing protein expression.