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Endogenous retroviruses in development and health
Jichang Wang1, Xinyi Lu2, Weiqi Zhang3
1Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China; Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
Trends in Microbiology
|October 6, 2023
Summary
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), ancient viral remnants in our DNA, play key roles in development and health. Aberrant ERV activity, however, can lead to disease and aging.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are integrated retroviral sequences in the host genome.
- ERVs act as regulatory elements influencing host gene expression during development.
- Dysregulated ERV activity is linked to genomic instability and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of ERVs in mammalian development.
- To explore the implications of ERVs in aging and disease.
- To discuss novel technologies for studying ERV functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
- Analysis of recent advancements in stem cell models.
- Integration of single-cell omics and genome editing technologies.
Main Results:
- ERVs are crucial for early mammalian development, including preimplantation stages and placentation.
- Emerging evidence highlights ERV involvement in post-implantation organogenesis.
- Aberrant ERV transcription is associated with compromised genome stability, senescence, and pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- ERVs exhibit versatile roles in mammalian development, health, and disease.
- Host genomic surveillance is critical for controlling ERV activity.
- Advanced technologies are crucial for deciphering complex ERV functions.
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