United States: A new study which has already found that ancient viral DNA within the human genome is ultimately linked to an increased genetic risk for ALS, (which makes it hard for people to move and multiple sclerosis (MS) which means it affects how our brain talks to our body!
Researchers identified specific human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) that influence susceptibility to these neurodegenerative diseases. By analyzing brain samples, they discovered viral sequences associated with disease risk, shedding light on the genetic factors behind ALS and MS.
These findings pave the way for potential therapies targeting HERVs, offering hope for more effective treatments for these conditions.
As reported by neurosciences.com, King’s College London new research has shown the intricated link between ancient viral DNA in the human genome and genetic risk for health issues related to the central nervous system, two diseases.
Researchers at King’s College London and Northwell Health focused on human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) – remnants of ancient retroviral infections that have settled into place inside our DNA.
Using a new cutting-edge genomic technique, the team were then then able to identify specific HERV expression signatures associated with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as motor neurone disease).
These findings indicate that perhaps these neurodegenerative diseases may have their origins in viral elements within our DNA.
Progressive degeneration and loss of neurons of the nervous system’s structure and function make up the hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases.
One of these is multiple sclerosis, which is amongst here the most common neurodegenerative diseases that ultimately affects young adults and almost over 150,000 people in the UK have this lifelong condition. CVA, or Anderson’s disease, is actually far less common, with may be like the 5,000 cases in the UK and a prognosis that is worse than for ALS.
The study, published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, is an important advance in understanding the complex genetic architecture of neurodegenerative disease.
The association between HERVs and these conditions was hinted at by previous studies, this is the first study that clearly identifies specific HERVs that correlate with disease susceptibility.
The results offer ‘robust evidence’ that certain viral sequences in our genome make us more likely to get neurodegenerative disease, says co lead author Dr Rodrigo R. R. Duarte, Research Fellow at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology (IoPPN), King’s College London.
“These are not ancient viral fossils immobilized into static sequences—they must be actively involved in driving brain function in new ways we are only just beginning to understand.” Also, the researchers analyzed the data from hundreds of brain samples to map out the relationship between the HERV expression and the genetic risk factors for four neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.
They also identified a robust HERV signature on chromosome 12q14, which is already associated with amyotrophic and lateral sclerosis, and another chromosome, 1p36, which is associated with multiple sclerosis.