Human genome detection contains DNA of ancient viruses

At least 8% of your DNA belongs to strange races and is made up of virus-derived pieces, not human. In fact, pieces of virus that often lurk within the genome of anything on Earth have jaws and spine, a remarkable reminder of how they shaped evolution throughout hundreds of millions. how was the year

Scientists studied and discovered ancient pieces of DNA in the human genome.

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that we are even " less human " than long-term thinking. Scientists have recently discovered 19 more pieces of ancient viral DNA inside our genome. Perhaps the most amazing thing is, the full genetic " formula " of a virus is found inside 2% of people tested.

All types of retroviruses have their genetic code in the form of RNA, often referred to as the original precursor of DNA. These viruses infect host cells by injecting a copy of their RNA into the host genome (possibly including humans). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an example of a modern retrovirus, which is transmitted to humans in this way.

Ancient retroviruses infect our ancestors for hundreds of thousands of years. The fragments of DNA produced by this virus are still inside our ancestral genome, and then copied and passed on from generation to generation. These fragments are also known as endogenous retroviruses in humans or HERV .

According to previous estimates, our own DNA contains at least 8% HERV. In the new study, scientists have looked for signs of new HERVs inside people. They carefully looked at the genomes of 2,500 people from all over the world and compared them to a reference pattern, a typical digitized genetic sequence compiled by scientists.

The team discovered 19 new HERVs, in addition to 17 HERV, previously identified by other studies. One of these new HERVs is not just a piece of a viral genome, but the entire genome of the virus. This makes it a " provirus " and the second provirus virus is detected inside the human body. Although not yet confirmed, the provirus is believed to have the ability to reproduce and behave like a working virus, unlike HERV fragments.

" This Provirus looks like it can create an infectious virus. If true, it will be extremely interesting because it allows us to study a virus outbreak that happened a long time ago ," said researcher John Coffin. Microbiologist expert from Tufts University Medical School (USA) explained.

Our bodies have received some HERVs for useful purposes, such as a HERV that supports pregnancy. This special HERV helps build a membrane that protects cells around the fetus, preventing toxins from the mother's blood from entering the fetus.

Since HERVs are often part of the human biological characteristics, tracing them is essential for medical research.