Endogenous Caulimovirids: Fossils, Zombies, and Living in Plant Genomes

The Caulimoviridae is a family of double-stranded DNA viruses that infect plants. genomes most vascular plants contain endogenous caulimovirids (ECVs), class repetitive elements abundant in some plant genomes, resulting from the integration viral chromosomes germline cells during episodes infection have sometimes occurred millions years ago. In this review, we reflect on 25 research ECVs has shown members occupied an unprecedented range ecological niches over time and shed light their diversity macroevolution. We highlight gaps knowledge prospects future fueled by increased access to genome sequence data new tools for annotation addressing extent, impact, role biology origin evolutionary trajectories Caulimoviridae.