Ancient Viral DNA in Humans Linked to Psychiatric Disorders
TL;DR
Researchers from King's College London have discovered that ancient viral DNA sequences, known as Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), are expressed in the human brain and contribute to the susceptibility of psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. This study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the significant role these viral sequences play in brain function and mental health, suggesting that further understanding of HERVs could revolutionize mental health research and treatment.
Topics:healthsciencehealth#ancient-viral-dna#brain-research#genomics#human-endogenous-retroviruses#psychiatric-disorders#sciencehealth
- Ancient viral DNA in the human genome linked to major psychiatric disorders Medical Xpress
- Ancient Viruses Linked to Mental Illness Neuroscience News
- Ancient viruses in the human genome linked to mental health conditions New Scientist
- Fossil viruses hidden in our DNA thousands of years ago could be cause of depression The Independent
- Ancient DNA still present in brain is marker of psychiatric disorders, study finds Evening Standard
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