Ancient DNA Linked to Psychiatric Disorders

Source: NDTV.in | June 03, 2024

The New Finding
Scientists have discovered that ancient viral DNA, known as Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs)—which form nearly 8% of the human genome—may influence the risk of major psychiatric disorders.
These DNA fragments were once considered “junk”, but are now understood as potentially active components affecting brain function and behavior.

How HERVs Influence Mental Health
Researchers at King’s College London found that certain HERV expression patterns are associated with higher susceptibility to conditions such as:
• Depression
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder

This means that these ancient viral sequences may interact with modern human genes, subtly shaping neural processes linked to mental health.

Why This Matters
The study suggests that understanding HERVs could open new paths in psychiatric research, diagnostics, and treatment.
While most HERVs still have unknown functions, identifying how specific sequences behave can help scientists understand biological pathways behind mental illness.

For Anthropology, this contributes directly to discussions on human genetic variation, gene–environment interactions, and evolutionary influences on modern disorders.

What Lies Ahead
Researchers emphasise that much more work is needed.
Decoding the functions of thousands of HERVs could transform our understanding of:
• Genetic vulnerability
• Brain development
• Evolutionary origins of psychiatric diseases

Relevant PYQs
1. Single-gene mutation disorders in man. (10M/2024)
(relevant because psychiatric disorders may involve ancient viral insertions modifying gene expression)
2. What is genetic counselling? Briefly discuss various steps involved in it. (15M/2024)
(relevant because psychiatric-risk genetic profiles need counselling)