A study led by King’s College London discovered that ancient viral DNA sequences are expressed in the brain, contributing to susceptibility for psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. These sequences, called Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), were previously thought to be junk DNA but are now known to play a role in genetic vulnerability to mental health conditions. The research, funded by NIHR and NIH, identified specific HERVs associated with psychiatric disorders by analyzing genetic data from thousands of individuals. Understanding HERV expression could lead to new treatments and diagnostic approaches for mental health disorders.
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Ancient viral sequences in the human genome may contribute to psychiatric disorder susceptibility
