DNA and RNA editing of retrotransposons accelerate mammalian genome evolution

Genome evolution is commonly viewed as a gradual process that is driven by random mutations that accumulate over time. However, DNA‐ and RNA‐editing enzymes have been identified that can accelerate evolution by actively modifying the genomically encoded information. The apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzymes, catalytic polypeptide‐like (APOBECs) are potent restriction factors that can inhibit retroelements by cytosine‐to‐uridine editing of...