Furthermore,
Hidden part our dna finally:
Up to 8 % of our DNA comes from old viruses. Furthermore, An international study having just been published reveals its important regulatory role in our genome. Consequently, and which impacts our differences with other primates.
In the year 2000, in addition to the transition to a next millennium, scientists first managed to sequence the genome. However, They L‘had then detected. However, What then? Nevertheless, Viral DNA, which would have been inserted into our genes over time, over millions of years. However, But they did not have the tools to study it as it should. Consequently, this part of our genome has long been considered useless.
However. Furthermore, an international study published in the journal Science Advances July 18, 2025 has just highlighted that this famous ancient viral DNA would actually have an important role in the regulation of hidden part our dna finally our genes. Nevertheless, He could even explain the differences between humans from other primates.
“Towards the understanding of what makes our humanity” thanks to this old DNA – Hidden part our dna finally
Guillaume Bourque. Consequently, one of the main authors of the study, said in a press release from McGill University in Canada. In addition, :: “If we manage to clearly determine which parts of our genome are specific to the human being. the primates, and which come from viruses, we will take one more step towards understanding what makes our humanity, and from the influence of DNA on our state of health and on the appearance of diseases. »»
It is up to 8 % of our DNA which would be the heritage of virus. a significant portion, therefore. These inherited elements are called “transposable elements”, because these are repetitive and often almost identical DNA sequences.
They would intervene in the regulation of the expression of genes, that is to say in their activation and deactivation.
A new method of classification of old viral DNA
The way in which the genome was classified 25 years ago. in any case concerning this neglected part, is no longer relevant.
Scientists have therefore imagined a new classification method. which brings together genomic sequences of viral origin, depending on their evolutionary relationship and how preserved they have hidden part our dna finally been in primates. “Retranging the evolution of sequences over time. they have observed patterns that suggest which could act on the activation and deactivation of genes”explains the press release from the Canadian University.
The researchers have uncovered that a viral DNA family. called “sea11”, had, in reality, 4 subtypes and not 3, as they thought so far. The last unearthed. called sea11_G4, is “Particularly active in human stem cells and has a particular DNA pattern present only in humans and chimpanzee”explain scientists.
“The current annotation of viral DNA in the genome should not be considered final. It’s time to see it again and refine it ”concluded Guillaume Bourque. “A better understanding of the genome could help scientists understand genetic mutations related to cancer and rare diseases. »»
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