Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jian Mao, Qian Zhang, Yu-Sheng Cong
Summary: HERVs make up about 8% of the human genome, originating from exogenous retroviral infections millions of years ago and inherited by offspring. While most HERVs are nonprotein-coding, they play important roles in human health and disease by encoding proteins, acting as promoters/enhancers, or lncRNAs.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miguel R. Branco, Jennifer M. Frost
Summary: Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), a type of transposable element (TE), have been integrated into the human genome during evolution. Our study demonstrates that ERVs play a role in regulating placental gene expression, which could contribute to the rapid evolution of the placenta and potentially affect pregnancy complications.
NATURE STRUCTURAL & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Mingyue Chen, Xiaoxia Guo, Lei Zhang
Summary: Through genomic analysis of amphibians, class II ERVs were discovered for the first time, possibly originating from alpha- or betaretroviruses and recently integrated into their genomes. Some amphibian class II ERVs can be expressed in diverse tissues, filling a major gap in the retroviral fossil record and suggesting ongoing infection by class II retroviruses in amphibians.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Federica Mantovani, Konstantina Kitsou, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Pagona Lagiou, Gkikas Magiorkinis
Summary: In this study, differential expression of multiple HERV families was observed in HIV-infected individuals, with decreased expression of HERV-H in treatment-naive patients and increased expression in PBMCs under antiretroviral therapy. The impact of HIV infection on HERV expression appears to be more pronounced in PBMCs and T cell-derived cultures compared to cells of monocytic origin.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guney Boso, Katherine Fleck, Samuel Carley, Qingping Liu, Alicia Buckler-White, Christine A. Kozak
Summary: Vertebrate genomes contain endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) representing remnants of ancient germline infections. Some human ERV genes have been co-opted for host functions, like syncytins in placentation. The oldest intact HERV gag gene, gagV1, has been identified with open reading frames, showing evolutionary conservation in primates. The expression of gagV1, gagV3, and pre-gagV1 is restricted to placenta in humans and macaques, suggesting co-option for placenta-specific functions.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Yuan Gao, Xiao-Fang Yu, Ting Chen
Summary: This review examines the expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms of HERVs in cancer, highlighting their dual roles in either suppressing or promoting cancer through immune activation or immune suppression. HERV env gene plays a key role in promoting carcinogenesis in certain malignant tumors, and targeting ENV proteins could be a potential future antitumor treatment approach.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qian Zhang, Juan Pan, Yusheng Cong, Jian Mao
Summary: Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) originate from ancient exogenous retroviral infections and make up approximately 8% of the human genome. While most ERVs are inactivated due to mutations, under specific physiological and pathological conditions, they can influence host biology through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, with both beneficial and detrimental effects. Understanding the regulation mechanisms of ERVs can provide insights into their roles in health and diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
David Diaz-Carballo, Sahitya Saka, Ali H. Acikelli, Ekaterina Homp, Julia Erwes, Rebecca Demmig, Jacqueline Klein, Katrin Schroeer, Sascha Malak, Flevy D'Souza, Adrien Noa-Bolano, Saskia Menze, Emilio Pano, Swetlana Andrioff, Marc Teipel, Philip Dammann, Diana Klein, Amber Nasreen, Andrea Tannapfel, Nicole Grandi, Enzo Tramontano, Crista Ochsenfarth, Dirk Strumberg
Summary: Diaz-Carballo et al. show that HDAC inhibitors can stimulate the expression of human endogenous retrovirus envelope genes in ovarian cancer cells, and that TLR7/8 agonists work synergistically with HDAC inhibitors to induce cancer cell apoptosis. This combination also inhibits the growth of ovarian tumor xenografts, offering a potential path for future therapies.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Konstantina Kitsou, Anastasia Kotanidou, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Timokratis Karamitros, Aris Katzourakis, Richard Tedder, Tara Hurst, Spyros Sapounas, Athanassios Kotsinas, Vassilis Gorgoulis, Vana Spoulou, Sotirios Tsiodras, Pagona Lagiou, Gkikas Magiorkinis
Summary: Severe COVID-19 pneumonia is associated with intense inflammatory responses, and research has shown dysregulation of HERVs in BALF samples of COVID-19 patients. Specifically, upregulation of HERV-FRD was observed in the BALF samples, highlighting a potential pathophysiological role in inflammatory pathways in the lungs affected by SARS-CoV-2.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pier-Angelo Tovo, Chiara Davico, Daniele Marcotulli, Benedetto Vitiello, Valentina Dapra, Cristina Calvi, Paola Montanari, Andrea Carpino, Ilaria Galliano, Massimiliano Bergallo
Summary: It has been found that the expression levels of TRIM28, SETDB1, and several HERV genes are significantly higher in the blood of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to healthy individuals. Positive correlations were observed between the mRNA levels of TRIM28 or SETDB1 and every HERV gene in ASD patients. These findings suggest that TRIM28/SETDB1 and multiple HERVs may play important roles in the pathogenesis of ASD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Pier-Angelo Tovo, Luca Marozio, Giancarlo Abbona, Cristina Calvi, Federica Frezet, Stefano Gambarino, Maddalena Dini, Chiara Benedetto, Ilaria Galliano, Massimiliano Bergallo
Summary: This study found that pregnant women, especially those with multiple sclerosis (MS), have lower expression levels of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) compared to non-pregnant women. The study also highlighted the role of TRIM 28 and SETDB1 in the pathogenesis of MS. These findings provide further support for innovative therapeutic interventions targeting HERVs and aberrant epigenetic pathways in MS patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuela Balestrieri, Elena Corinaldesi, Marianna Fabi, Chiara Cipriani, Martina Giudice, Allegra Conti, Antonella Minutolo, Vita Petrone, Marialaura Fanelli, Martino Tony Miele, Laura Andreozzi, Fiorentina Guida, Emanuele Filice, Matteo Meli, Sandro Grelli, Guido Rasi, Nicola Toschi, Francesco Torcetta, Claudia Matteucci, Marcello Lanari, Paola Sinibaldi-Vallebona
Summary: This study analyzed the gene transcription levels in children with Kawasaki disease and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and identified some similarities and differences between the two diseases. The research supports the role of endogenous retroviruses in inflammatory diseases and found that certain gene expression levels may be used to distinguish between these two conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Thomas A. Carter, Manvendra Singh, Gabrijela Dumbovic, Jason D. Chobirko, John L. Rinn, Cedric Feschotte, Mia T. Levine
Summary: The study identified the HERVH family's expression in pluripotent stem cells, with the youngest subfamily LTR7up playing a key role in this transcription. It revealed the relationship between LTR7 sequence evolution, transcription factor binding sites, and promoter activity.
Article
Cell Biology
Richard A. Stein, Rosalie V. DePaola
Summary: Approximately 8% of the human genome is made up of viral sequences known as HERVs. Most of these HERVs have become inactive and are vertically transmitted. Some HERVs play critical roles during embryogenesis and in the maternal immune tolerance. Aberrant expression of HERVs is associated with various diseases. These genomic fossils offer insights into our co-evolution with viruses and will continue to provide teachings, surprises, and paradigm changes in the future.
PHYSIOLOGICAL GENOMICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jairo R. Temerozo, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Monique Cristina dos Santos, Eugenio D. Hottz, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Aline de Paula Dias da Silva, Samuel Coelho Mandacaru, Emilly Caroline dos Santos Moraes, Monique R. O. Trugilho, Joao S. M. Gesto, Marcelo Alves Ferreira, Felipe Betoni Saraiva, Lohanna Palhinha, Remy Martins-Goncalves, Isaclaudia Gomes Azevedo-Quintanilha, Juliana L. Abrantes, Cassia Righy, Pedro Kurtz, Hui Jiang, Hongdong Tan, Carlos Morel, Dumith Chequer Bou-Habib, Fernando A. Bozza, Patricia T. Bozza, Thiago Moreno L. Souza
Summary: This study found that critically ill COVID-19 patients had higher expression levels of HERV-K genes in tracheal aspirates. Increased HERV-K levels were associated with early mortality, inflammation, and coagulopathy.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Tapio Nevalainen, Arttu Autio, Maija Puhka, Marja Jylha, Mikko Hurme
Summary: Plasma contains various bioactive molecules in extracellular vesicles, including RNA, DNA, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, which are involved in cell-to-cell interactions. Research showed that a large proportion of plasma transcripts do not come from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), indicating contributions from other cell types. Aging leads to significant changes in plasma RNA composition, impacting important biological processes.
EXPERIMENTAL GERONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jaakko Laaksonen, Pashupati P. Mishra, Ilkka Seppala, Emma Raitoharju, Saara Marttila, Nina Mononen, Leo-Pekka Lyytikainen, Marcus E. Kleber, Graciela E. Delgado, Maija Lepisto, Henrikki Almusa, Pekka Ellonen, Stefan Lorkowski, Winfried Maerz, Nina Hutri-Kahonen, Olli Raitakari, Mika Kahonen, Jukka T. Salonen, Terho Lehtimaki
Summary: This study provides evidence for a genetic control of nuclear DNA methylation by mitochondria, with little evidence found for sex- and prediabetes-specific effects. However, a limitation of our study is the lack of a comparable mtDNA dataset, and further studies are needed to validate our results.
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daria Kostiniuk, Hely Tamminen, Pashupati P. Mishra, Saara Marttila, Emma Raitoharju
Summary: The nc886 locus is not polymorphically imprinted in non-human primates and guinea pigs, unlike in humans, suggesting that animal models are not applicable for nc886 research. The data obtained suggests that the nc886 region may be classically imprinted in great apes and potentially also in Old World monkeys.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yurong Cheng, Yong Li, Nora Scherer, Franziska Grundner-Culemann, Terho Lehtimaki, Binisha H. Mishra, Olli T. Raitakari, Matthias Nauck, Kai-Uwe Eckardt, Peggy Sekula, Ulla T. Schultheiss
Summary: The study identified genetic underpinnings of OPN in a European CKD population, revealing two replicated signals in a Finnish cohort that are associated with OPN production and blood pressure control and inflammation. The findings suggest a potential pathological role of OPN in CKD and emphasize the need for further research to understand its complex role in human physiology.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Arttu Autio, Jalmari Kettunen, Tapio Nevalainen, Bryn Kimura, Mikko Hurme
Summary: As we age, the functioning of the immune system declines, but the correlation between viral infections and age is unclear. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the most frequently expressed virus. Activated cell types are associated with EBV expression. These findings contribute to the understanding of the impact of persistent viral infections on elderly health.
Article
Biology
Sanni E. Ruotsalainen, Ida Surakka, Nina Mars, Juha Karjalainen, Mitja Kurki, Masahiro Kanai, Kristi Krebs, Sarah Graham, Pashupati P. Mishra, Binisha H. Mishra, Juha Sinisalo, Priit Palta, Terho Lehtimaki, Olli Raitakari, Lili Milani, Yukinori Okada, Aarno Palotie, Elisabeth Widen, Mark J. Daly, Samuli Ripatti
Summary: A genome-wide association study has identified MFGE8 as protective against coronary atherosclerosis in European and East Asian populations. Variants in MFGE8 were found to be associated with a lower risk of coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting the potential for the inhibition of lactadherin production to substantially reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Binisha H. Mishra, Harri Sievanen, Emma Raitoharju, Nina Mononen, Jorma Viikari, Markus Juonala, Marika Laaksonen, Nina Hutri-Kahonen, Mika Kahonen, Olli T. Raitakari, Terho Lehtimaki, Pashupati P. Mishra
Summary: This study aimed to identify the shared biological processes underlying atherosclerosis-osteoporosis co/multimorbidity. Gene set analysis was performed on whole-blood transcriptomic data, and novel biological processes associated with high carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were identified. However, no associations were found with reduced bone mineral density (BMD).
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Saara Marttila, Hely Tamminen, Sonja Rajic, Pashupati P. Mishra, Terho Lehtimaki, Olli Raitakari, Mika Kahonen, Laura Kananen, Juulia Jylhava, Sara Hagg, Thomas Delerue, Annette Peters, Melanie Waldenberger, Marcus E. Kleber, Winfried Marz, Riitta Luoto, Jani Raitanen, Elina Sillanpaa, Eija K. Laakkonen, Aino Heikkinen, Miina Ollikainen, Emma Raitoharju
Summary: This study characterized the methylation level of the polymorphically imprinted gene VTRNA2-1/nc886 in human populations and somatic tissues, revealing stable methylation status across populations and somatic tissues with minor variations in specific tissues. The twin data suggested that the imprint of the nc886 gene may be established in the oocyte.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Tapio Nevalainen, Arttu Autio, Mikko Hurme
Summary: This study analyzed the relative abundance of different immune cell types in the central nervous system using a digital cytometry tool. The results showed that multiple infiltrating immune cell types are present in the CNS, even in non-diseased individuals, and their proportions are affected by age.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ahmed Elhakeem, Justiina Ronkainen, Toby Mansell, Katherine Lange, Tuija M. M. Mikkola, Binisha H. H. Mishra, Rama J. J. Wahab, Tim Cadman, Tiffany Yang, David Burgner, Johan G. G. Eriksson, Marjo-Riitta Jaervelin, Romy Gaillard, Vincent W. V. Jaddoe, Terho Lehtimaeki, Olli T. T. Raitakari, Richard Saffery, Melissa Wake, John Wright, Sylvain Sebert, Deborah A. A. Lawlor
Summary: This study examined the associations between common pregnancy and perinatal complications and offspring metabolic traits using data from eight population-based cohort studies. The findings indicate that these complications are mainly associated with metabolic traits in newborns, with little evidence of long-term impact on older offspring.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miikael Lehtimaki, Binisha H. H. Mishra, Coral Del-Val, Leo-Pekka Lyytikainen, Mika Kahonen, C. Robert Cloninger, Olli T. T. Raitakari, Reijo Laaksonen, Igor Zwir, Terho Lehtimaki, Pashupati P. P. Mishra
Summary: This study used an unsupervised machine learning method called PGMRA to discover the genotype-lipidome relations in a Finnish population. The researchers found 93 statistically significant lipidome-genotype relations, which contained a total of 5977 SNPs across 3164 genes. Twenty nine of these relations represented distinct subgroups with unique SNPs and participants. Pathway enrichment analysis identified 30 significantly enriched biological processes related to plasma lipid metabolism. These findings have implications for precision medicine research.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Henrik Dobewall, Liisa Keltikangas-Jarvinen, Saara Marttila, Pashupati P. Mishra, Aino Saarinen, C. Robert Cloninger, Igor Zwir, Mika Kahonen, Mikko Hurme, Olli Raitakari, Terho Lehtimaki, Mirka Hintsanen
Summary: This study aims to examine the relationship between compassion and longevity, finding that individuals with higher levels of compassion exhibit a biological age that is closer to their chronological age, suggesting that compassion may have an impact on biological aging.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Aino Saarinen, Jarmo Hietala, Leo-Pekka Lyytikainen, Binisha Hamal Mishra, Elina Sormunen, Mika Kahonen, Suvi Rovio, Jorma Viikari, Olli Raitakari, Terho Lehtimaki, Liisa Keltikangas-Jarvinen
Summary: We investigated whether individuals with a high genetic loading for schizophrenia and major depression (PGL) but without the respective disorders were still susceptible to milder forms of ill-being in terms of job strain or exhaustion. Using data from the Young Finns Study, we found that high PGL did not predict less favorable perceptions of job environment, but it did predict a higher trajectory of exhaustion in early adulthood and middle age. Additionally, high PGL predicted a stronger increase in exhaustion at higher levels of job strain, even after controlling for various factors.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Robert M. M. Kraemer, Angela P. P. Moissl, Stefan Lorkowski, Bernhard K. K. Kraemer, Terho Lehtimaki, Binisha H. H. Mishra, Pashupati P. P. Mishra, Jan Leipe, Winfried Maerz, Marcus E. E. Kleber, Bertram Mueller-Myhsok, Graciela E. E. Delgado
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of a genetic depression risk score (GDRS) with mortality (all-cause and cardiovascular) and markers of depression in patients referred for coronary angiography. The results showed that GDRS was significantly associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. However, it was not associated with antidepressant use or a history of depression.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pashupati P. Mishra, Binisha H. Mishra, Emma Raitoharju, Nina Mononen, Jorma Viikari, Markus Juonala, Nina Hutri-Kahonen, Mika Kahonen, Olli T. Raitakari, Terho Lehtimaki
Summary: Advanced integrative analysis of DNA methylation and transcriptomics data reveals the effects of smoke-induced epigenetic alterations on gene expression and biological processes, linking smoking and related diseases.
OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY
(2023)