2023-07-04 12:43:31
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are inherited viral “heirlooms” that make up seven to eight percent of the human genome. The retroviruses themselves are a family of RNA viruses that predominantly infect vertebrates. Unlike their other counterparts, such viruses embed their genetic code into the DNA of the cell, which makes it easier for them to fight human immunity.
Human endogenous retrovirus K, or HERV-K (HML-2), which integrated into the genome of our ancestors six million years ago, is usually “silent” and does not cause any infections, like many other retroviruses. But recently, scientists have discovered that some of these viruses may be associated with malignant tumors of the testicles and some other types of oncopathologies.
Scientists from the Universities of Miami and Georgetown, as well as the National Institutes of Health (USA), decided to find out how this virus affects another very aggressive type of cancer – glioblastoma. The researchers’ findings presented in The Journal of Clinical Investigation.
The average life expectancy following the diagnosis of glioblastoma – brain cancer – is only 14 months, so it is extremely important to study this type of oncopathology in order to prolong and improve the life of patients, and possibly prevent the disease.
Cancer stem cells stimulate tumor development and determine how aggressive and resistant to treatment the disease will be. A comprehensive translational study of HERV-K expression in glioblastoma showed that the virus alters the stem cell “program” by activating a regulatory protein called OCT4. This means that HML-2 makes a fundamental contribution to the stem cell microenvironment that sustains them and determines their fate.
The results of the work have already provided some guidance for the treatment of glioblastoma. Thus, the antiretroviral drug significantly reduced the activity of HERV-K and the level of markers of tumor stem cells. If the same results can be repeated on the human body as a whole, it will greatly simplify the fight once morest this type of cancer.
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