New research from King’s College London has discovered that ancient viral DNA sequences, known as Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), are expressed in the brain and contribute to psychiatric disorder susceptibility. The study revealed that specific HERVs are associated with increased risks of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. The research analyzed extensive genetic data and autopsy brain samples to uncover these associations. The findings suggest that understanding the role of these viral sequences in brain function could revolutionize mental health research and lead to new treatment and diagnostic methods. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
Recent research has found that DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48153-z
The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
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