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Ancient viral DNA in our genome not ‘junk’ but cancer ally, says study

These viral segments were thought to be harmless. The study found that they can be reactivated and play a vital role in aiding cancer growth.

However, recent research from the University of Colorado at Boulder reveals that these retroviruses can be reactivated and play a vital role in aiding cancer growth and survival. “Our study shows that diseases today can be significantly influenced by these ancient viral infections that until recently very few researchers were paying attention to,” said senior author Edward Chuong, an assistant professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at CU Boulder. Chuong theorizes that as individuals age, their genomic defenses deteriorate, allowing ancient viruses to reactivate and potentially contribute to other health issues as well.

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