Ancient viral DNA helps human embryos develop

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Oct 1, 2025

Benjamin Thompson, a science reporter, delves into how ancient viral DNA influences human embryo development. He reveals that around 8% of our genome consists of these retroviral remnants, which act as crucial regulatory elements. Using CRISPR and blastoids, the research shows that silencing certain viral sequences disrupts proper embryo formation. Additionally, they discuss the role of the human-specific LTR5HS element in regulating vital genes, suggesting that this ancient DNA could have shaped human evolution. Exciting insights into the intersection of evolution and genetics!

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INSIGHT

Ancient Viruses Are Regulatory DNA

About 8% of the human genome derives from ancient endogenous retroviruses that now act as regulatory sequences.
These viral-derived elements can be co-opted as gene switches and influence human-specific gene activity.

INSIGHT

Blastoids Reveal Viral Elements Are Essential

Raquel Fueyo's team used stem-cell-derived blastoids to study early human development without using embryos.
Silencing most LTR5HS sequences prevented blastoids forming, showing those viral elements are essential in this model.

INSIGHT

Single Viral Insertions Can Drive New Genes

Deleting individual human-specific LTR5HS elements altered expression of nearby genes, sometimes drastically.
One LTR5HS uniquely enabled high expression of a primate-specific gene, ZincFinger729, in humans.

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00:50 How ancient viruses drive modern human development

Research suggests that ancient viral-DNA embedded in the human genome is playing a key role in early embryo development. Around 8% of our genome consists of endogenous retrovirus DNA — the remnants of ancient infections, but knowledge of their activity is limited. Now, a team show that these sequences are required for the correct development of lab-derived embryo analogues, and for the switching on of human-specific genes.

Research Article: Fueyo et al.

News and Views: Ancient viral DNA in the human genome shapes early development

10:39 Research Highlights

Longer whale mothers are more likely to give birth to daughters — plus, how the stink of the corpse flower waxes and wanes to attract pollinators.

Research Highlight: Big mother whales have more daughters than sons

Research Highlight: Corpse flowers waft out stinky compounds as fast as landfills do

13:05 How heat can fuel DNA computers

Researchers have developed a way to use heat to recharge DNA-based computer circuits, which could help overcome one of the stumbling blocks preventing this technology from being scaled up. Although DNA strands have been used to perform computational tasks for some time, current methods can run out of energy or build up waste products, preventing their continued use. Now, using just heat a team have demonstrated a reuseable neural network based on DNA. They hope that ultimately this could be a step in the development of bigger and more powerful DNA computers that could be used to power targeted clinical therapies.

Research Article: Song & Qian

22:20 Briefing Chat

A one-time gene therapy for Huntington’s disease show promise at slowing the brain disorder’s progression — plus, how mitochondria throw out ‘tainted’ DNA.

Nature: Huntington’s disease treated for first time using gene therapy

Nature: Mitochondria expel tainted DNA — spurring age-related inflammation

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