According to a study published in the journal Science Advances on 17th July 2024, researchers have found out about the long-lasting impact of old viruses. Fragments of the DNA of ancient viruses act like “on switches” for genes that help tumours grow and survive. Various viruses stay in the human body for a long time and fuel cancer cells to grow.
Impact of LTR 10 gene on cancer cells
The discussed research talked about a particular DNA fragment named, LTR 10 gene. This gene is found active in various cancer cells. From common cancers like colorectal and lung to rare ones like bile duct and stomach, this DNA fragment is active everywhere.
What is the LTR 10 gene?
The LTR 10 gene comes from a retrovirus. It was incorporated into the human genome 30 million years ago. According to Edward Chuong, PhD, of the University of Colorado Boulder’s BioFrontiers Institute, the incorporation of this gene activated a lot of cancer-related genes. Mr. Chuong, said, “The activity of these [virus fragments] from many millions of years ago has shaped how disease manifests today,”
How did ancient viruses become a part of our genome?
Through the process of evolution, a lot of ancient viruses entered our body, slipped their DNA and hijacked our cells. Sometimes, if the virus infects sperms, eggs or embryos, the infection is passed to the next generations. According to an estimate, 9% of our genomes are from ancient retroviruses.
For this study, the researchers have collected healthy tissue and samples of cancer cells from thousands of people. After studying this detailed biological data, they have concluded.
While most of the genome is folded into a brief structure called chromatin, certain parts of the genome (LTR 10 gene) remain open to interact with other genes and proteins. They are called ‘active enhancers’. Dr. Chuong said, “One of the first clues to know that a DNA fragment is an enhancer is looking at whether the DNA is folded up and closed off, or unfolded and open for business.”
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