Ancient Virus Silences Brain Development Gene in Chimps While It Remains Active in Humans

How an Ancient Virus Alters Brain Development in Chimpanzees

According to НВ — Техно: Scientists at Lund University have uncovered that remnants of a prehistoric virus embedded in chimpanzee DNA suppress the gene LINC00662, which plays a key role in early brain development. In humans, this gene is actively engaged in generating nerve cells and establishing neural connections, but it is nearly inactive in chimpanzees. This discovery offers new insights into the evolutionary distinctions shaping brain growth between humans and our closest primate relatives.

The study revealed that chimpanzee genomes contain fragments of the PTERV1 virus, believed to have infected their ancestors millions of years ago, which inhibit LINC00662’s function. To confirm the viral impact on gene activity, researchers cultivated brain organoids from both human and chimpanzee stem cells. Results showed that while human organoids exhibited robust LINC00662 expression, chimpanzee organoids showed minimal activity of this gene.

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Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology, the team removed the viral sequences from chimpanzee cells, which led to reactivation of LINC00662. Conversely, suppressing this gene in human brain organoids decreased the activity of genes crucial for nerve cell development and synapse formation. Despite the close genetic relationship between humans and chimpanzees, these gene-level differences contribute to distinctive biological traits.

Further investigations are planned to explore how other viral remnants might have influenced brain evolution and their potential links to neurological disorders. These findings were published on November 12 at 09:09.

These results highlight the significant role viral elements within the genome play in evolutionary processes, especially regarding central nervous system development. Gaining a deeper understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for innovative treatments for neurological diseases, as viral impacts on genetic regulation may be more profound than previously recognized.

These findings not only shed light on the evolutionary differences in brain development but also raise questions about the impact of other viral remnants on neurological health. For instance, recent research has shown how herpes simplex virus type 1 can induce chronic inflammation in the brain, potentially linking it to Alzheimer's disease. Understanding these connections could offer deeper insights into the role of viruses in brain evolution and disorders.