‘Junk’ virus genes in our DNA may have helped our brain cells evolve

Endogenous retroviruses have three common genes - gag, env and pol Scientists believe retrovirus DNA makes up around 5% of human genome For years, they were considered junk DNA and a side-effect of evolution New research indicates that, over the course of evolution, the viruses took an increasingly firm hold on cellular control During which time, they may have made brain cells 'active and dynamic'

By Victoria Woollaston for MailOnline

Published: 05:22 EST, 13 January 2015 | Updated: 05:46 EST, 13 January 2015

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Its long been known that DNA from so-called retroviruses make up around five per cent of our genetic makeup.

But for years, this was dubbed junk DNA with no real use, and was considered to be a side-effect of evolution - until now.

New research suggests that, over the course of evolution, the viruses took an 'increasingly firm hold' on how cells work, and they may have made brain cells in particular more active and dynamic, ultimately making us smarter.

DNA from retroviruses (HIV pictured) make up around five per cent of our genetic makeup, but for years, this was considered to be a side-effect of evolution. New research suggests that, over the course of evolution, the viruses took hold of how cells work, and may have made brain cells in particular more active and dynamic

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'Junk' virus genes in our DNA may have helped our brain cells evolve