Depression, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Are Linked with Ancient Viral DNA in Our Genome

image via New Scientist

May 29, 2024, 10:45 AM

• •Some ancient viral DNA sequences in the human genome play a role in susceptibility to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.
• •These sequences, known as human endogenous retroviruses (or Hervs), date back hundreds of thousands to millions of years – with some even predating the emergence of Homo sapiens.
• •Our latest research suggests that Hervs may be playing a more important role in the brain than initially thought.

Scientists have found that some ancient viral DNA sequences in the human genome play a role in susceptibility to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. These sequences, known as human endogenous retroviruses (or Hervs), date back hundreds of thousands to millions of years – with some even predating the emergence of Homo sapiens.

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