Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to neurodegenerative diseases
2025
King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
In this study, the researchers have discovered a link between ancient viral DNA within the human genome and the genetic risk for two significant neurodegenerative diseases: multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), remnants of ancient retroviral infections that are now fixed features within human DNA were the focus of the study. By using an advanced genomic technique, the researchers found specific HERV expression signatures, which indicate that viral elements within our DNA may influence the development of these neurodegenerative diseases. This is one of the first studies to pinpoint specific HERVs that are associated with disease susceptibility.
Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to neurodegenerative diseases
Rodrigo R.R. Duarte, Timothy R. Powell
Added on: 12-03-2024
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159124006615?via%3Dihub[2] https://www.drugtargetreview.com/news/153890/specific-herv-expression-signatures-linked-to-ms-and-als/
