A recent study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity has discovered a connection between ancient viral DNA embedded in the human genome and the genetic risk for two major neurodegenerative diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers from King’s College London and Northwell Health identified specific human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) that influence susceptibility to these conditions.
The study analyzed brain samples using a cutting-edge genomic technique and found viral sequences linked to disease risk. These findings suggest that viral elements within our DNA may play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
ALS is characterized by progressive degeneration and loss of neurons, resulting in deterioration of the nervous system’s structure and function. MS is also a neurodegenerative disease affecting young adults, with over 150,000 people in the UK living with this lifelong condition. The researchers identified specific HERV signatures on chromosome 12q14 (MER61_12q14.2) associated with ALS and another on chromosome 1p36 (ERVLE_1p36.32a) associated with MS.
Targeting these viral elements may lead to new therapies for ALS and MS. While the study highlights the importance of understanding how HERVs impact brain function, further research is needed to explore this potential therapeutic avenue.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/hervs-ms-als-neurology-27899/