Within the vast genomic landscape of the human body, there exist hidden fragments of zombie viruses passed down through generations from ancient DNA encounters.
Recent research has illuminated their alarming potential to disrupt human health
For years, these viral sequences were thought to be dormant relics of the past. However, recent research has illuminated their alarming potential to disrupt human health.
A team led by Atma Ivancevic, a bioinformatician at the University of Colorado, made a groundbreaking discovery linking these viral remnants to the progression of cancer.
Genome biologist Edward Chuong highlighted the significant impact of these ancient viral infections
Genome biologist Edward Chuong, a key contributor to the study, highlighted the significant impact these ancient viral infections,p long ignored by the scientific community, can have on current diseases.
These viral remnants, once considered non-functional ‘junk’ DNA, are actually endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) that have played a crucial role in mammalian evolution, notably in the development of the placenta.
Chuong pointed out the mystery surrounding the activation of certain genes
Yet, their influence isn’t entirely benign. Chuong pointed out the mystery surrounding the activation of certain genes in cancer cells, suggesting that some of these ‘zombie’ viruses could be the culprits turning these genes on.
To understand how ancient genes could be fueling cancer, Ivancevic and her team analyzed the epigenomes of 21 different cancers, identifying a specific ERV family, known as long terminal repeat 10 (LTR10), actively functioning at high levels in these diseases.
The original viral infection is believed to have occurred in our primate ancestors around 30 million years ago.
Functional studies on a colorectal cancer cell line
By conducting functional studies on a colorectal cancer cell line, the team demonstrated that LTR10 could regulate key genes involved in tumor growth. Furthermore, by deactivating undead LTR10 genes in human colorectal tumor cells and in mice, genes like XRCC4, known to promote cancer development, were effectively silenced.
LTR10 acts as an epigenetic switch
The research indicated that LTR10 acts as an epigenetic switch, altering gene expression patterns in tumors, leveraging this ancient virus’s legacy.
The team suggested that these zombie viruses might reawaken under certain conditions, breaking down human defenses and leading to severe health issues.