Post by account_disabled on Jan 25, 2024 7:29:31 GMT
A new study carried out by researchers at the National Cancer Research Center (CNIO) in Madrid has revealed a surprising discovery about embryonic development in mice. It turns out that the remains of ancient viruses found in the DNA of animals play a fundamental role in the transition of cells from totipotency (the ability to generate a complete individual) to pluripotency (the ability to give rise to any type of cell). in the body). Previously, these DNA-embedded viruses were thought to be genetic junk or even harmful. However, scientists have discovered that these “unwelcome guests” actually play an important role in regulating other genes.
The team of researchers observed that a retrovirus called Buy Phone Number List MERVL directed the transition of embryonic cells from totipotency to pluripotency. Early in mouse embryonic development, the viral protein MERVL-gag binds to a protein called URI and inactivates it. As development continues, viral protein levels decrease and URI can intervene, leading to cellular pluripotency. This discovery has important implications in the field of regenerative medicine and scientific research. Understanding how these viruses function in embryonic development could help control totipotent cells and produce stable cell lines in the laboratory. Although this study was conducted in mice, endogenous retroviruses are also believed to play a role in human embryonic development.
However, more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. In short, this new finding demonstrates that viruses, far from being considered “genetic garbage”, play an important role in embryonic development. The coevolution of these viruses with host cells ensures a smooth and precise progression of this fundamental process for the formation of a complete organism. A new study has been carried out at the National Cancer Research Center (CNIO) in Madrid on embryonic development in mice. Researchers have discovered that remnants of ancient viruses in animals' DNA play a key role in the transition of embryonic cells. These viruses were previously believed to be “junk” genetics, but it has been revealed that they actually serve an important function by regulating other genes.
The team of researchers observed that a retrovirus called Buy Phone Number List MERVL directed the transition of embryonic cells from totipotency to pluripotency. Early in mouse embryonic development, the viral protein MERVL-gag binds to a protein called URI and inactivates it. As development continues, viral protein levels decrease and URI can intervene, leading to cellular pluripotency. This discovery has important implications in the field of regenerative medicine and scientific research. Understanding how these viruses function in embryonic development could help control totipotent cells and produce stable cell lines in the laboratory. Although this study was conducted in mice, endogenous retroviruses are also believed to play a role in human embryonic development.
However, more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis. In short, this new finding demonstrates that viruses, far from being considered “genetic garbage”, play an important role in embryonic development. The coevolution of these viruses with host cells ensures a smooth and precise progression of this fundamental process for the formation of a complete organism. A new study has been carried out at the National Cancer Research Center (CNIO) in Madrid on embryonic development in mice. Researchers have discovered that remnants of ancient viruses in animals' DNA play a key role in the transition of embryonic cells. These viruses were previously believed to be “junk” genetics, but it has been revealed that they actually serve an important function by regulating other genes.