The role of human endogenous retroviruses in brain development and function

23Citations
Citations of this article
86Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Endogenous retroviral sequences are spread throughout the genome of all humans, and make up about 8% of the genome. Despite their prevalence, the function of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in humans is largely unknown. In this review we focus on the brain, and evaluate studies in animal models that address mechanisms of endogenous retrovirus activation in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). One such study in mice found that TRIM28, a protein critical for mouse early development, regulates transcription and silencing of endogenous retroviruses in neural progenitor cells. Another intriguing finding in human brain cells and mouse models was that endogenous retrovirus HERV-K appears to be protective against neurotoxins. We also report on studies that associate HERVs with human diseases of the brain and CNS. There is little doubt of an association between HERVs and a number of CNS diseases. However, a cause and effect relationship between HERVs and these diseases has not yet been established.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Mortelmans, K., Wang-Johanning, F., & Johanning, G. L. (2016, January 1). The role of human endogenous retroviruses in brain development and function. APMIS. Blackwell Munksgaard. https://doi.org/10.1111/apm.12495

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free