Why in news
Scientists may soon uncover more insights into the evolutionary significance of ERVs and their contribution to human biology.
This will lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, cancer therapies, and personalised medicine, enhancing our understanding of human health and evolution
What is Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs)
ERVs are genetic remnants of ancient retroviral infections integrated into the host's genome.
Retroviruses, using the enzyme reverse transcriptase, convert their RNA into DNA and integrate it into the host's genome, creating a provirus.
When these integrations are incomplete or dysfunctional, they leave behind ERVs—genetic "fossils" that cannot replicate or produce functional proteins.
ERVs are inherited if they integrate into germ cells (sperm or ova), passing them to offspring.
ERVs are linked to various health conditions, including their potential use as biomarkers for diseases like preeclampsia and their involvement in cancer processes.
ERVs usually can’t replicate and produce functional proteins since they lack their regulatory regions
What is reverse transcriptase
Reverse transcriptase (RT), also known as RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, is a DNA polymerase enzyme that transcribes single-stranded RNA into DNA.
This enzyme is able to synthesize a double helix DNA once the RNA has been reverse transcribed in a first step into a single-strand DNA
Discovered in 1971.
ERVs and Human Evolution
ERVs make up about 8% of the human genome, serving as genetic remnants from ancient viral infections.
ERVs have significantly influenced mammalian evolution, notably through genes like syncytins that are crucial for placenta development.
ERVs, such as MERVL-gag, play a role in cell differentiation during embryonic development.
COMMENTS