German scientists from Helmholtz University and Ludwig Maximilian University have discovered the role of ancient viral DNA in embryo development. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Cell.
Mammalian genomes contain remnants of ancient retroviruses called endogenous retroviruses. They make up about 8% of DNA in humans. Although most retroviruses are inactive, some retain the ability to influence genetic mechanisms and immune responses.
The team created a genetic atlas by comparing embryos from mice, cows, pigs, rabbits, and the nonhuman primate rhesus macaques.
The results showed that very old viral elements were reactivated in the first hours and days after fertilization. It also turned out that each strain examined expressed different types of these viruses.
Observations have shown that activation of transposable elements is conserved among mammals and that identification of specific elements provides opportunities to simultaneously manipulate thousands of genes in cells.
According to the study authors, this discovery could provide valuable data for future studies in developmental and reproductive biology.
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