When viruses invade our bodies, they can sometimes leave fragments of themselves behind in our genomes. Previously thought to be inactive, these fragments of foreign DNA have recently been discovered to play a significant role in various diseases, including cancer. University of Colorado bioinformatician Atma Ivancevic, along with a team of researchers, has found that certain parts of zombie viruses can be utilized by cancer cells to their advantage. This discovery sheds light on the intricate connection between ancient viral infections and modern-day diseases.
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have long been dismissed as ‘junk’ DNA, but they have actually played a crucial role in the evolution of mammals, including humans. These remnants of past viral infections have contributed to the development of the placenta, a vital organ for pregnancy. However, recent studies have highlighted the dark side of ERVs, showing that they can be reactivated in cancer cells to promote tumor growth. Cancer cells exploit these ancient viral sequences as switches to control the expression of genes that drive the progression of the disease.
A functional study conducted on colorectal cancer tissues revealed that a specific zombie virus part, known as LTR10, regulates the expression of genes that are involved in tumor formation. By inhibiting the activity of LTR10 in human colorectal tumor cells and in mice, researchers were able to deactivate genes that support cancer growth, leading to improved response to treatment. LTR10 acts as an epigenetic switch that controls the expression of cancer-associated genes, highlighting its significance in cancer development.
While researchers have identified the genes regulated by LTR10 in tumor cells, further studies are needed to establish a direct link between these genes and cancer progression. Patient-derived organoids provide a valuable model for investigating the role of zombie viruses in the growth and spread of specific types of cancer. As we age, the reactivation of dormant virus fragments may contribute to a range of health issues, underscoring the importance of understanding the impact of these ancient viral sequences on disease development.
The discovery of the influence of zombie viruses on cancer development highlights the intricate interplay between ancient viral infections and modern diseases. By unraveling the role of endogenous retroviruses in gene regulation, researchers are gaining insights into the underlying mechanisms of cancer progression. Further studies are needed to elucidate the specific genes and pathways controlled by these viral remnants, paving the way for the development of targeted therapies for cancer and other complex conditions.