Recent research suggests that remnants of ancient viruses in our DNA might play a crucial role in human development. According to Stanford biologist Raquel Fueyo and her team, these viral fragments could be vital for forming new life.
Their study focused on a 3D model called a blastoid. This model simulates early embryonic development, about five days after fertilization, just before an embryo attaches to the uterus. When the researchers disabled certain viral genes, known as LTR5Hs, the blastoid either became just a random mass of cells or failed to develop altogether. They discovered that these genes are essential for forming the middle layer of cells in the blastoid, known as the epiblast.
Interestingly, up to 9% of our DNA contains material from ancient viruses. These “endogenous retroviruses” entered our ancestors’ reproductive cells millions of years ago and have become an integral part of our genetic makeup. The LTR5Hs first appeared in our lineage around 5 million years ago, after humans and other great apes diverged from old-world monkeys like baboons.
While that sounds like a long time ago, in the context of evolution, it’s surprisingly recent. Fueyo’s study shows that the LTR5Hs help regulate other genes, especially one called ZNF729. This gene is essential for stem cell growth and cell identity. When ZNF729 isn’t expressed well, it can lead to improper formation of embryonic tissues.
The researchers believe that enhanced activity from LTR5Hs might have given our ancestors a significant evolutionary advantage. By tweaking how genes regulate each other, nature can create unique traits for different species. This insight highlights how even small changes can lead to big shifts in development.
The study was published in Nature, and it adds to our understanding of how our genes shape life. For more information on this research, check out the full paper here.
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