This Virus Stole a Human Gene and Won't Let Go of It
"Scientists have discovered a virus that is a tiny bit human, carrying a gene it stole from our ancestors about 100,000 years ago," writes the New York Times. "And this virus may be using our own gene to infect us." Phys.org explains that it's "both an important gene for brain function and a jumping gene capable of moving and inserting itself into genomes." BC200 is found only in humans and…
Scientists have uncovered a virus, BC200, that carries a human gene it apparently stole from our ancient ancestors roughly 100,000 years ago. The virus, which only affects humans and related primates, was first detected in the late 1980s as an abundant noncoding RNA in human neurons.
Researchers are intrigued by BC200's unusual properties. This gene, which is fundamental to brain function, also possesses the unique ability to "jump" and insert itself into genomes, a mechanism known as transposability. The virus's association with skin cells, particularly those infected by molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), adds another layer of mystery to its behavior.
Interestingly, BC200 is also found to be abnormally expressed in certain tumors and in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, suggesting its jumping gene capabilities might be linked to various diseases. Researchers are keen to investigate if molluscum contagiosum virus manipulates our cells using BC200, and to further understand the gene's role in diseases like breast cancer and others with abnormal BC200 expression.
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