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Mavericks  are virus-like mobile genetic elements found in the genomes of eukaryotes. Although  Mavericks  encode capsid morphogenesis homologs, their viral particles have not been observed. Here, we provide new evidence supporting the viral nature of  Mavericks  and the potential existence of virions. To this end, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis of  Mavericks  in hundreds of vertebrate genomes, discovering 134 elements with an intact coding capacity in 17 host species. We reveal an extensive genomic fossil record in 143 species and date three groups of elements to the Late Cretaceous. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using genomic fossil orthologs suggests that  Mavericks  have infected osteichthyans for ∼419 My. They have undergone frequent cross-species transmissions in cyprinid fish and all core genes are subject to strong purifying selection. We conclude that vertebrate  Mavericks  form an ancient lineage of aquatic dsDNA viruses which are probably still functional in some vertebrate lineages.

Phylogenomics of the Maverick Virus-Like Mobile Genetic Elements of Vertebrates