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Virus Stole Human Gene 100,000 Years Ago
28 Sep
Summary
- A virus was found to contain a human gene stolen about 100,000 years ago.
- The molluscum contagiosum virus may use the human gene to aid its infection.
- This discovery is the first known instance of a virus with a recently acquired human gene.
A remarkable discovery has revealed a virus that carries a gene it apparently stole from human ancestors around 100,000 years ago. This finding, detailed in the journal Science, may be the first instance of a virus possessing a human gene acquired in recent evolutionary times.
The molluscum contagiosum virus, which causes minor skin sores, has integrated the human BC200 gene. This gene is thought to play a role in regulating protein production in human brain cells.
Researchers found that the viral BC200 gene has accumulated mutations since its acquisition, allowing them to estimate the timeframe of the theft. The virus's persistent retention of this gene suggests it offers a significant advantage, possibly by helping the virus overcome the host's defense mechanisms.
Scientists speculate that the virus may now leverage this stolen gene to manipulate protein synthesis within infected human cells, potentially hindering the body's ability to fight the infection. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding viral evolution and host-pathogen interactions.
