Role of Human Endogenous Retroviral Long Terminal Repeats (LTRs) in Maintaining the Integrity of the Human Germ Line
2011
The Role of Retroviruses in Human Germ Line Integrity
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): Liu Meihong, Eiden Maribeth V.
Primary Institution: National Institute of Mental Health
Hypothesis
How do endogenous retroviral long terminal repeats (LTRs) contribute to the integrity of the human germ line?
Conclusion
Endogenous retroviral LTRs, particularly ERV-9, play a significant role in regulating gene expression in human male germ cells, contributing to genomic stability.
Supporting Evidence
- ERV-9 LTRs are found only in the primate genome and have been maintained for at least 15 million years.
- GTAp63 is expressed in healthy human testes but not in testicular cancer cells.
- TAp63 functions as a tumor suppressor and is involved in protecting the female germ line.
Takeaway
Some viruses that have been part of our DNA for a long time help keep our reproductive cells healthy and stable.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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