Unexpected diversity in virus-derived sequences in the human genome

Three RIKEN geneticists have discovered previously undetected snippets of genetic material from viruses lurking in our DNA¹. The methods they developed for this discovery will be valuable for determining when this viral genetic material entered the human genome and also whether it can give rise to differences between individuals.

Roughly 8% of the human genome can be traced backed to retroviruses—viruses that reverse the normal order of genetic transcription, having an RNA genome that is reverse-transcribed into DNA and then inserted into the genome of the host cell. The most infamous retrovirus is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

While retroviruses can have devastating effects on human health, the viral genetic material inserted in our genomes can provide useful functions. For example, retroviral proteins expressed in the placenta enable humans and other mammals to give birth to live offspring rather than eggs.

“During the course of human evolution our ancestors acquired many virus-derived sequences, some of which impart useful functions,” says Shohei Kojima of the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS). “I used to think that viruses were menaces, but some of their genetic sequences are essential for human development.”

Over the last two decades, researchers have discovered much about the retroviral genetic sequences in the human genome, as well as viral-origin sequences derived from non-retroviruses. But it is unclear how much these sequences vary between people and whether variants could give rise to different human characteristics.

Now, Kojima, Anselmo Kamada and Nicholas Parrish, all at RIKEN IMS, have investigated virus-derived variations in 3,332 people from diverse populations using bioinformatic tools specially designed for the task.

They discovered that viruses are responsible for unexpected structural variations in the human genome. They also found rare variants in the germline that can be traced back to human herpesvirus 6 (Fig. 1).

Not all the viral genetic material they found had ancient origins, however. The trio discovered that some commonly used cell lines had been infected by viruses. “We think these sequences are likely caused by infection of the subject who donated their blood for human genetics research,” says Parrish. “Strangely, the viruses don’t usually infect B cells, which were used to make the cell lines we used, and so we don’t fully understand how those viruses infected the cells.”

The team intends to explore the possible functions of the sequences they have identified. Some studies have suggested associations between viral genetic sequences and a higher risk of certain diseases, Parrish notes. “If that’s true, how and why are they maintained in the human population?” he asks. “We want to see if they provide some benefit in addition to the cost.”