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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
13:19
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Endogenous retroviruses and cancer
K Ruprecht1, J Mayer, M Sauter
1Institut für Virologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Saar, Germany.
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|September 27, 2008
Summary
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) integrated into vertebrate genomes may contribute to cancer development. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in human tumorigenesis.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Vertebrate genomes contain sequences resembling exogenous retroviruses, known as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs).
- ERVs originate from ancient germ line infections by exogenous retroviruses and are inherited in a Mendelian fashion.
- ERVs have been hypothesized to play a role in cancer pathogenesis, similar to exogenous retroviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the involvement of ERVs in tumorigenesis.
- To focus on the role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in human cancers.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on ERVs and cancer.
- Analysis of evidence from animal models and human cancer studies.
Main Results:
- Animal models suggest ERVs can contribute to malignant transformation and tumor growth via insertional mutagenesis or immune evasion.
- Available data indicate a potential role for HERVs in human cancers, particularly germ cell tumors.
Conclusions:
- ERVs are implicated in cancer development through various mechanisms.
- The specific contributions of HERVs to human tumorigenesis require additional investigation.
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