ERV3-1 - endogenous retrovirus group 3 member 1, envelope Gene

Many different endogenous retrovirus families are expressed in normal placental tissue at high levels, suggesting that endogenous retroviruses are functionally important in reproduction. This gene is part of an endogenous retrovirus provirus that has inactivating mutations in the gag and pol genes. This gene is the envelope glycoprotein gene which appears to have been selectively preserved. The gene is expressed at a higher level in the adrenal cortex and placenta and may play a role in human physiology and disease. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015]