Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites
09:31

Amplification, Next-generation Sequencing, and Genomic DNA Mapping of Retroviral Integration Sites

Published on: March 22, 2016

18.5K

Herpesvirus genome integration in whole-genome sequences of dementia and control cohorts

Stacey L Piotrowski1, Mary Alice Allnutt1, Kory Johnson2

  • 1Viral Immunology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|March 19, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Herpesvirus genome integration, particularly human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), was investigated in dementia patients. A higher prevalence of HHV-6 integration was found in Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, suggesting a potential role in these synucleinopathies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genomics

Background:

  • The infectious hypothesis proposes herpesviruses contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia pathogenesis via viral genome integration.
  • The prevalence of herpesvirus genome integration in dementia patients remains under-characterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and prevalence of herpesvirus genome integration in various dementia cohorts.
  • To determine if viral genome integration is associated with specific neurodegenerative diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequences from over 7500 individuals (controls and dementia patients) were analyzed.
  • The PathSeq computational tool was employed to screen for integrated pathogen genomes.
  • Cohorts included Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis spectrum, Lewy body dementia (LBD), and multiple system atrophy (MSA).

Main Results:

  • Sequences consistent with integrated herpesviruses were identified.
  • A significantly higher prevalence of partial human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) genome integration was observed in LBD and MSA cohorts.
  • This increased prevalence of HHV-6 integration was specific to synucleinopathies and not observed with other herpesviruses.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that HHV-6 genome integration may play a role in a subset of patients with LBD and MSA.
  • Herpesvirus genome integration is a potential factor in the pathogenesis of certain neurodegenerative diseases.
Keywords:
dementiaherpesviruseshuman herpesvirus 6neurodegenerative disease

More Related Videos

Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining13:22

Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining

Published on: January 23, 2014

18.8K
Amplification of Near Full-length HIV-1 Proviruses for Next-Generation Sequencing10:18

Amplification of Near Full-length HIV-1 Proviruses for Next-Generation Sequencing

Published on: October 16, 2018

12.8K

Related Concept Videos

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes00:58

Genomic DNA in Eukaryotes

Eukaryotes have large genomes compared to prokaryotes. To fit their genomes into a cell, eukaryotic DNA is packaged extraordinarily tightly inside the nucleus. To achieve this, DNA is tightly wound around proteins called histones, which are packaged into nucleosomes that are joined by linker DNA and coil into chromatin fibers. Additional fibrous proteins further compact the chromatin, which is recognizable as chromosomes during certain phases of cell division.
53.8K
Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS01:11

Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS

Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
16.5K
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
1.0K