Topic: endogenous retroviruses

Several adverse intrauterine conditions during pregnancy may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have been proposed as co-factors in the pathogenesis of ASD, also potentially useful as early biomarkers of derailed neurodevelopment. Two preclinical models of ASD, the inbred BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mice, and mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid, showed an altered expression of several ERVs and cytokines, in embryos, blood and brain samples at different post-natal ages. The present study aimed to characterize t

Throughout the course of evolution, the human genome has integrated genetic material from ancient retroviral infections, which now constitute approximately 8% of its total DNA. Significant portion of these endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are non-functional due to mutations and deletions. However, some of the more recently acquired families, such as HERV-K (HML-2), retain intact genes that are capable of producing viral proteins. ERVs play roles in various physiological processes that are beneficial or crucial for the host, including the development of the placenta, protection of neurons, and di