Ancient ‘Fossil’ DNA Linked to Mental Health Disorders
In a groundbreaking study, scientists at King’s College London have discovered that ancient ‘fossil’ DNA in humans could be responsible for an increased susceptibility to major psychiatric disorders. Conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression may be influenced by these ancient viral infections that occurred hundreds of thousands of years ago and made their way into human DNA.
Previously dismissed as ‘junk DNA’, these sequences called human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) make up about 8% of the human genome. However, the study has revealed that these fossil viruses may have a significant function, particularly in the human brain.
By analyzing data from large-scale studies and autopsy brain samples, the researchers identified specific HERVs that contribute to the susceptibility of psychiatric disorders. This groundbreaking research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for those affected.
Dr Timothy Powell, co-senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of the findings, stating, “Our results suggest that these viral sequences probably play a more important role in the human brain than originally thought, with specific HERV expression profiles being associated with an increased susceptibility for some psychiatric disorders.”
The study also shed light on the influence of genes on HERV expression. Certain genes were found to have a preferential effect on the expression of HERVs, further supporting the link between ancient viral DNA and mental health disorders.
This research marks a significant step forward in understanding the complex relationship between genetics and mental health. With further investigation, scientists hope to develop more targeted and effective treatments for individuals with psychiatric disorders.
BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY: Junk DNA Linked to Psychiatric Disorders
In a groundbreaking study, researchers at King’s College London have identified a connection between “junk DNA” and psychiatric disorders. The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, sheds light on the genetic components of mental health conditions.
Lead author Dr Rodrigo Duarte, a research fellow at King’s College London, explains that psychiatric disorders have long been known to have a genetic basis. However, this study delves deeper into the genome and focuses specifically on segments corresponding to Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs). Through their investigation, the researchers identified five sequences that are directly relevant to psychiatric disorders.
While the exact mechanism by which these HERVs impact brain cells is still unclear, the findings suggest that their regulation is crucial for proper brain function. Co-senior author Dr Douglas Nixon, from Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, US, emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand the function of HERVs and their implications for mental health.
This groundbreaking discovery has the potential to revolutionize mental health research and open up new avenues for treatment and diagnosis. By gaining a better understanding of these ancient viruses and their interaction with known genes implicated in psychiatric disorders, scientists hope to develop innovative approaches to address these conditions.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in mental health research.
