Much of the human genome is represented by so-called "junk DNA" - loose pieces of genetic code. Recent studies by an international scientific group have shown that a significant part of this material is formed by the DNA of various viruses
Led by biology professor Cedric Fescott at the University of Texas, a group of scientists from the United States and Japan have discovered that DNA strands in the human and some mammalian genomes contain inserts of the Bourne virus, which can be replicated and transmitted within cell nuclei. Together with his Japanese colleague Professor Keizi Tomonaga of Osaka University, Fescott suggests that such inclusions are the cause of schizophrenia and other mental illness in humans.
The Born virus got its name from the German city where the epidemic it caused was recorded in 1885. This form of encephalomyelitis almost completely exterminated the horses of the Prussian army, turning its cavalry into infantry. Bourne virus (BDV) is transmitted by birds and domestic mammals, but it has long been believed that this infection is not dangerous to humans. It was only in 1996 that American doctors proved that Bourne disease affects humans. Sufferers of this disease are prone to persistent depression, memory problems, and impaired perception of the outside world. The Bourne virus is unique in its own way - its RNA sequence affects only the neurons of the brain, creating a permanent focus of infection in the host's head. At the same time, Taiwanese geneticists showed that in families of people affected by the Bourne virus,a large percentage of patients with schizophrenia and other mental disorders. Now, a new study has found that a dangerous disease leaves its mark on the human genome, which provokes the appearance of mental abnormalities in subsequent generations. After examining 234 encryotic genomes (that is, genomes that were completely deciphered), Fescott and his colleagues found signs of BDV in many mammals. In addition, geneticists have discovered a mechanism that allows these RNA elements of the Bourne virus to invade the chromosomes of a person who has had this disease, which leads to subsequent mutations of the nerve cell. Fescott and Tomonaga pay special attention to the fact that the hypothesis about the influence of the Bourne virus on the risks of mental illness disorders can be tested empirically - by experiments on human nerve cells. If the discovery is confirmed, it will provide further evidence of the effect of genetic mutations on the psyche and will serve as a starting point for the development of fundamentally new treatments for schizophrenia. At the same time, scientists are concerned about another issue related to viral mental illness. At the end of the 20th century, it was suggested that the weakening of mental abilities is accompanied by impaired immunity, and this opens the way for other viruses and affects the body like an avalanche. Confirmation of the destructive properties of the virus sequences embedded in DNA can confirm the correctness of this theory by the American professor of neurology Ian Lipkin. At the same time, scientists are concerned about another issue related to viral mental illness. At the end of the 20th century, it was suggested that the weakening of mental abilities is accompanied by impaired immunity, and this opens the way for other viruses and affects the body like an avalanche. Confirmation of the destructive properties of the virus sequences embedded in DNA can confirm the correctness of this theory by the American professor of neurology Ian Lipkin. At the same time, scientists are concerned about another issue related to viral mental illness. At the end of the 20th century, it was suggested that the weakening of mental abilities is accompanied by impaired immunity, and this opens the way for other viruses and affects the body like an avalanche. Confirmation of the destructive properties of the virus sequences embedded in DNA can confirm the correctness of this theory by the American professor of neurology Ian Lipkin. Confirmation of the destructive properties of the virus sequences embedded in DNA can confirm the correctness of this theory by the American professor of neurology Ian Lipkin. Confirmation of the destructive properties of the virus sequences embedded in DNA can confirm the correctness of this theory by the American professor of neurology Ian Lipkin. "Pravda. Ru" was asked more about this by geneticist, candidate of biological sciences Peter Galushny.“When there are reports that the genome of this or that living creature has been decoded, this does not mean that genetics have finally understood everything about it. Excessive pieces of DNA remain unknown, and all the opportunities and dangers inherent in them are no less mysterious. Under the example of the Bourne virus, we can say that as such there is no rigorous scientific evidence of its effect on schizophrenia. There is a comparison of statistical data indicating that those who have had Bourne disease carry genetic changes similar to those that accompany schizophrenia. But for now, we can talk about this as a promising direction of research. Junk DNA holds many more secrets. It is possible that solving some of them will shed light on the root causes of many diseases, the genetic nature of which is assumed, but not yet proven."