Ancient Retroviruses Linked to Cancer Growth Unveiled

CU Boulder research reveals how dormant viral DNA in human genomes can activate cancer-promoting genes, offering new treatment insights.

Endogenous retroviruses make up about 8% of the human genome and can act as gene 'switches'.
The LTR10 retrovirus, active in several cancers, was found in a third of colorectal cancer cases.
CRISPR editing of LTR10 in cancer cells turned off key genes, improving treatment efficacy in mice.
MAP-kinase inhibitors may work by disabling these viral gene switches, impacting cancer therapies.
Researchers suggest ancient viruses could influence other diseases as genomic defenses weaken with age.