PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
The notion that viruses played a crucial role in the evolution of life is not a new concept. However, more recent insights suggest that this perception might be even more expansive, highlighting the ongoing impact of viruses on host evolution. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are considered genomic remnants of ancient viral infections acquired throughout vertebrate evolution. Their exogenous counterparts once infected the host\'s germline cells, eventually leading to the permanent endogenization of their respective proviruses. The success of ERV colonization is evident so that it constitutes 8% of the human genome. Emerging genomic studies indicate that endogenous retroviruses are not merely remnants of past infections but rather play a corollary role, despite not fully understood, in host genetic regulation. This review presents some evidence supporting the crucial role of endogenous retroviruses in regulating host genetics. We explore the involvement of human ERVs (HERVs) in key physiological processes, from their precise and orchestrated activities during cellular differentiation and pluripotency to their contributions to aging and cellular senescence. Additionally, we discuss the costs associated with hosting a substantial amount of preserved viral genetic material.
摘要：
病毒在生命进化中起关键作用的概念并不是一个新概念。然而,最近的见解表明，这种看法可能会更加广泛，强调病毒对宿主进化的持续影响。内源性逆转录病毒（ERV）被认为是整个脊椎动物进化过程中获得的古代病毒感染的基因组残留物。它们的外源对应物一旦感染宿主的生殖系细胞，最终导致它们各自的原序列的永久内源性。ERV定殖的成功是显而易见的,因此它构成了人类基因组的8%。新兴的基因组研究表明，内源性逆转录病毒不仅是过去感染的残留物，而且还发挥着必然性作用。尽管没有完全理解，在宿主遗传调控中。这篇综述提供了一些证据支持内源性逆转录病毒在调节宿主遗传学中的关键作用。我们探索人类ERV（HERV）在关键生理过程中的参与，从它们在细胞分化和多能性过程中的精确和精心安排的活动到它们对衰老和细胞衰老的贡献。此外,我们讨论了与托管大量保存的病毒遗传物质相关的成本。
