Viral 'Junk DNA' Plays Crucial Role in Human Embryonic Development, Researchers Find
The Spanish National Cancer Research Centre reveals that 8% of the human genome, previously considered useless, is vital in the transition from totipotency to pluripotency, opening new avenues in regenerative medicine.
- Researchers from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have discovered that viral genetic material, previously considered 'junk DNA', plays a crucial role in early human embryonic development.
- The study reveals that at least 8% of the human genome consists of genetic material from viruses, which are vital in the process that occurs just hours after fertilization, where cells transition to a state known as pluripotency.
- The researchers focused on a particular retrovirus known as MERVL, which influences the transition from totipotency, a state where cells can develop into a complete organism, to pluripotency.
- The CNIO team found that the MERVL retrovirus produces a protein, MERVL-gag, which regulates the activity of a gene called URI, essential for acquiring pluripotency.
- This discovery could open new avenues in regenerative medicine and the creation of artificial embryos.
Study Finds 
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