Virus helps safe pregnancy

According to an article in Microbiology Today, the DNA sequence in the human genome is derived from an ancient virus infection. It has some surprising effects on the human body and is also of great importance to help pregnant women safely.

Retrovirus infection shows a close relationship between host and pathogen. The virus can insert a copy of its genetic material into the host cell's DNA. This infection is irreversible, it lasts for a while or sometimes a lifetime. If the egg or sperm is infected with the virus, the viral DNA can be passed on to the next generation, permanently fixed in the embryonic genome later. As a result, endogenous retrovirus (ERV) can exist for millions of years.

Dr. David Griffiths of the Moredun Research Institute and Ms. Cécile Voisset of the Faculté de Médecine des Sciences de la Santé in France said: 'During the evolution process, retroviruses have infiltrated our ancestors' embryos thanks to countless opportunities. Currently, human ERV (HERV) contributes about 8% of our genome.

Although there are currently no viruses that harm humans, they have similar characteristics to those from the past, but there are also a number of related species that exist in animals. In order for a retrovirus to become part of the host genome, it must often be inhibited by mutation or when it does not produce proteins. A plague called neoplastic in Australian koalas gave researchers a rare opportunity to explore this process.

Dr. Griffiths said: 'Recent research has provided evidence of HERV's role in normal physiological and disease functions. They can be considered as human genes' . Some HERVs are extremely important for safe pregnancy, while others are related to diseases such as MS or cancer. He continued: "A lot of HERV has just been discovered recently and we are exploring their important functions."