A virus that infected chimps 4 million years ago shaped brain development

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A virus that infected chimps 4 million years ago shaped brain development

Humans and chimpanzees are remarkably similar, despite the major differences in how our societies have panned out.

Quick read

An article reporting a Science Advances study that links an ancient chimpanzee retrovirus (PTERV1) to suppression of the gene LINC00662, which influences brain cell maturation. Someone would visit to learn how a viral DNA insertion about 4 million years ago may have changed chimp brain development compared with humans.

  • Identifies PTERV1 as a chimp-specific ancient retrovirus insertion
  • Shows LINC00662 helps neuron maturation and growth in human organoids
  • Removing the insertion in chimp cells restored LINC00662 activity

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