Researching HERV & its Impact on Evolution

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In summary, the conversation discusses the impact of HERV on species mutation, specifically in relation to the evolution of humans. The individual is seeking a reference or resource for further research on this topic. A link to a search on pubmed with the keywords HERV and evolution is provided, along with the suggestion to try a couple of journal articles. The individual asks if there are any other references or comments available.
  • #1
Mentat
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I just read a piece of a book that refers to the affect that HERV (human endogenous retroviruses) can have on the mutation of species - throughout the different generations. I was wondering if there was a site or book or some other such reference that I could look up, that has to do with research in this particular field.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Does no one have any information on this?
 
  • #3
Perhaps the question was not clear. Does anyone have information - or a reference to information - about the affect of endogenous retroviruses on the evolution of the human species?
 
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  • #5
Are there no other references/comments?
 

1. What is HERV and how does it impact evolution?

HERV stands for "human endogenous retrovirus" and it refers to a type of virus that has integrated into the human genome over the course of evolution. HERVs can have various impacts on evolution, including influencing the expression of host genes and potentially causing diseases.

2. How do scientists research HERV and its impact on evolution?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to study HERV, including genetic sequencing, gene expression analysis, and comparative genomics. They also conduct experiments in cell cultures and animal models to understand how HERVs may affect evolution.

3. What evidence supports the idea that HERV has played a role in human evolution?

One major piece of evidence is the presence of HERV sequences in the human genome that are similar to those found in other species, indicating that they were inserted into the genome at different points in evolution. Additionally, studies have shown that HERVs can influence the expression of host genes, potentially leading to evolutionary changes.

4. Are there any potential negative impacts of HERV on human health?

HERVs have been linked to various diseases, such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. They can also potentially disrupt the normal functioning of genes in the human genome, leading to health issues. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of HERV on human health.

5. How can the study of HERV and its impact on evolution benefit society?

Studying HERV can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of humans and other species. It can also help us better understand the mechanisms of genetic expression and potentially lead to new treatments for diseases associated with HERV. Additionally, understanding HERV can shed light on the co-evolution of viruses and their hosts, which can have broader implications for disease prevention and management.

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