Sci Adv July 2025 PMID 40680142

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage.

Xun Chen, Zicong Zhang, Yizhi Yan, Clement Goubert, Guillaume Bourque, Fumitaka Inoue

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Mentions

152
Peak: 31 in Jul 2025
across 5 sources since Jul 2025

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Jul 2025 – Nov 2025

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

Several discussions highlight how this research uncovers previously hidden roles of ancient viral DNA, describing it as a 'powerful switch' controlling gene activity, which reflects excitement about new understandings of genome regulation. The tone ranges from neutral to enthusiastic, with words like 'reveals,' 'uncover,' and 'powerful' emphasizing the perceived importance and potential for advancing genetics and evolutionary biology.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the research, with some participants emphasizing the discovery of new subfamilies and their relevance to understanding primate evolution.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high curiosity, particularly regarding the implications of endogenous retroviruses in gene regulation and primate biology, evidenced by phrases like 'powerful switch' and 'hidden regulatory roles.'

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants demonstrate moderate engagement, referencing specific methods, such as the phylogenetic approach, and the potential functional insights, though most comments are supportive rather than deeply analytical.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest that the findings are perceived as potentially impactful, especially given comments about 'unlocking genome secrets' and the revision of previous notions about 'junk DNA,' indicating recognition of evolving impact in genetics.

Abstract in brief

  • This study developed a new phylogenetic-based method to better classify and annotate endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and their LTRs, overcoming limitations of previous approaches.
  • The researchers identified four new subfamilies of young LTR elements (MER11ABC) and validated their regulatory functions using experimental assays, revealing motifs linked to differences in activity, including ape-specific genetic changes.
  • Applying their method to 53 primate-related LTR subfamilies, they discovered 75 new subfamilies, refining the annotation of thousands of ERV elements, which can help clarify their roles in primate genome evolution and biology.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Phys.org
@physorg_com · X

#Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilies influencing early human development and primate evolution. @ScienceAdvances https://t.co/CMaat4iyxt https://t.co/uWWMS5ysU2

Jul 19, 2025 · 50 likes · 24 shares · 1,021,593 followers View post →
WPI-ASHBi
@Ashbi_KyotoU · X

[

Jul 22, 2025 · 7 likes · 1 share · 1,215 followers View post →
MU-Peter Shimon
@mu-peter.bsky.social · Bluesky

Ancient viruses embedded in our DNA appear to help switch genes on and off A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage

Aug 26, 2025 · 7 likes · 2 shares View post →
Wafik S. El-Deiry, MD, PhD, FACP
@weldeiry · X

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage https://t.co/xMWnXdgmsY

Jul 23, 2025 · 5 likes · 18,504 followers View post →
WPI-ASHBi
@Ashbi_KyotoU · X

[

Jul 22, 2025 · 4 likes · 1 share · 1,215 followers View post →
Rubix NG
@NgRubix · X

"A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage"

Aug 14, 2025 · 3 likes · 8,113 followers View post →

All mentions

MU-Peter Shimon
@mu-peter.bsky.social · Bluesky

Ancient viruses embedded in our DNA appear to help switch genes on and off A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage

Aug 26, 2025 · 7 likes · 2 shares View post →
Progenics Laboratories
@Progenics_labs · X

RT @Progenics_labs: Ancient viral DNA once called “junk” is a powerful switch controlling early human development. MER11 elements shape wha…

Aug 22, 2025 · 1 share · 3 followers View post →
Progenics Laboratories
@Progenics_labs · X

Ancient viral DNA once called “junk” is a powerful switch controlling early human development. MER11 elements shape what makes us unique by regulating genes. Read: https://t.co/G8HbLfwZ5W Visit: https://t.co/9dKQYjHD5c #ViralDNA #genomicsisglobal #geneticdiscovery #progenics https://t.co/yZFD2d9ix0

Aug 22, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 3 followers View post →
Rubix NG
@NgRubix · X

Science Advances https://t.co/JTwg9uaQOt

Aug 14, 2025 · 8,113 followers View post →
Rubix NG
@NgRubix · X

"A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage"

Aug 14, 2025 · 3 likes · 8,113 followers View post →
WPI-ASHBi
@Ashbi_KyotoU · X

@TakaInoue5 @xunchen85 @ScienceAdvances プレスリリースはこちら➡️ https://t.co/YVS7XQnDYh 論文はこちら➡️ https://t.co/t9aJGtFf44

Aug 13, 2025 · 1,215 followers View post →
OZ BIOSCIENCES
@OZBIOSCIENCES · X

Unlocking Primate Genome Secrets: New ERV/LTR Insights, published in Science Advances by Xun Chen et al: https://t.co/m10auSjdWL ➡ Our ViroMag R/L transduction reagent was used to transduce WTC11 human iPSCs cells with Lentivirus.

Aug 13, 2025 · 307 followers View post →
matiere*
@matiere · X

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage | Science Advances https://t.co/t8Q5y4O7RO Science Advances 18 Jul 2025 Vol 11, Issue 29

Aug 12, 2025 · 2,853 followers View post →
Kelly A. Hogan Ph.D.
@Loose_Lab_Rat · X

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage | Science Advances https://t.co/aWLGiqD1d1

Aug 9, 2025 · 1 like · 2,239 followers View post →
Helios
@HeliosYourSun · X

https://t.co/4j9AHxUEXF

Aug 9, 2025 · 573 followers View post →
Science_updates
@Scienceupdates6 · X

https://t.co/dQxfA1PhOg https://t.co/wdcrXlUxtA

Aug 3, 2025 · 13 followers View post →
François Guité
@francoisguite.bsky.social · Bluesky

Ancient viruses embedded in our DNA help switch genes on and off, study finds | Live Science www.livescience.com/health/genet... A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage | Science Advances www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... #openaccess

Aug 2, 2025 View post →
Ken Gusler
@kgusler · X

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage - https://t.co/w7gGGNF7eV

Aug 2, 2025 · 20,026 followers View post →
CRCpaleos
@CRCpaleos · X

ARTÍCULO REFERENCIA (acceso abierto) A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage https://t.co/FRGvOmnqdn vía @ScienceAdvances

Jul 29, 2025 · 3,149 followers View post →
Dr Oleksandr Kashuba (Clinical Pharmacologist)
@OleksandrKashu2 · X

RT @OleksandrKashu2: A phylogenetic approach reveals cryptic LTR subfamilies and functional insights at nucleotide resolution in primates.…

Jul 27, 2025 · 1 share · 734 followers View post →
Dr Oleksandr Kashuba
@oleksandrkashuba.bsky.social · Bluesky

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

Jul 27, 2025 · 1 share View post →
Dr Oleksandr Kashuba (Clinical Pharmacologist)
@OleksandrKashu2 · X

A phylogenetic approach reveals cryptic LTR subfamilies and functional insights at nucleotide resolution in primates. Science Advances https://t.co/0Lwnprddks

Jul 27, 2025 · 1 share · 734 followers View post →
Tae Hoon Kim
@taehoonkim · X

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage https://t.co/AwUcjddKnb

Jul 23, 2025 · 2 likes · 788 followers View post →
Paco Jariego / Who is L. M. Nolei?
@fjjariego · X

Xun Chen et al. ,A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage.Sci. Adv.11,eads9164(2025).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.ads9164 https://t.co/noogVDDijh

Jul 23, 2025 · 2,546 followers View post →
Christopher Chambers (He/Him/His)
@cpchambe · X

@DivinelyDesined (1) This is a press release, which you paraphrased in a VERY biased manner; the conclusion is yours, not the authors,; highlighted comments challenge creationism (2) MER11 sequence is young, likely entered primate genomes 40 My ago. https://t.co/4FlDJSbuAz https://t.co/IWWQuKdb9B https://t.co/eo72tnCjLa

Jul 23, 2025 · 1 like · 74 followers View post →
Wafik S. El-Deiry, MD, PhD, FACP
@weldeiry.bsky.social · Bluesky

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

Jul 23, 2025 View post →
Wafik S. El-Deiry, MD, PhD, FACP
@weldeiry · X

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage https://t.co/xMWnXdgmsY

Jul 23, 2025 · 5 likes · 18,504 followers View post →
Azusa Inoue | 井上梓
@a_z_usa__ · X

RT @Ashbi_KyotoU: [

Jul 22, 2025 · 1 share · 2,054 followers View post →
WPI-ASHBi
@Ashbi_KyotoU · X

[

Jul 22, 2025 · 7 likes · 1 share · 1,215 followers View post →
和田濱 裕之
@hiro_wadahama · X

RT @Ashbi_KyotoU: [

Jul 22, 2025 · 1 share · 460 followers View post →
WPI-ASHBi
@Ashbi_KyotoU · X

[

Jul 22, 2025 · 4 likes · 1 share · 1,215 followers View post →
tomo_tsubaki
@tomo_tsubaki · X

【PDF】Direct Link A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage https://t.co/nNzZjNDLnd

Jul 21, 2025 · 1,474 followers View post →
MISAwMISA
@MISAwMISA · X

【プレスリリース】機能から見るトランスポゾン新分類法の開発 古代にゲノムへ取り込まれたウイルス由来遺伝子の機能解明を目指して | 日本の研究.com https://t.co/E7JsyG833R 元論文 A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage | Science

Jul 21, 2025 · 1,618 followers View post →
⚛️
@omicEmperor · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 1,300 followers View post →
Rosy's Science Project
@meryrosyu · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 289 followers View post →
Shapley Fürskyn
@shiva137 · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 220 followers View post →
Lulu Cleve
@Lulu_Cleve · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 343 followers View post →
Angela
@musicloverch1 · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 1,226 followers View post →
Claude Gillono
@sherman1959CG · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 164 followers View post →
Leonardo Viana
@leonardopviana · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 928 followers View post →
DIANE
@dianasbyrd1 · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 735 followers View post →
Stultophobia...
@BazliNadzmi · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 280 followers View post →
(:alex:)
@_Star_Tron · X

RT @physorg_com: #Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilie…

Jul 19, 2025 · 24 shares · 2,167 followers View post →
Phys.org
@physorg_com · X

#Ancient viral DNA once labeled as "junk" is now shown to regulate #GeneExpression, with newly classified MER11 subfamilies influencing early human development and primate evolution. @ScienceAdvances https://t.co/CMaat4iyxt https://t.co/uWWMS5ysU2

Jul 19, 2025 · 50 likes · 24 shares · 1,021,593 followers View post →
phy_papers
@phypapers.bsky.social · Bluesky

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40680142/

Jul 19, 2025 · 1 like View post →
Art Kilner
@RamblingAK · X

"Study reveals hidden regulatory roles of 'junk' DNA" [https://t.co/JcipQeZGF1] The "peer-reviewed paper behind this article [https://t.co/TboR3p8lun] is (currently) OPEN ACCESS. Calling it "junk DNA" was STUPID. IMO. https://t.co/JcipQeZGF1

Jul 19, 2025 · 550 followers View post →
phy_papers
@phypapers.bsky.social · Bluesky

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40680142/

Jul 19, 2025 View post →
Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci
@OrdoFibonacci · X

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage Science Advances https://t.co/Gn7yuQ3IRR

Jul 19, 2025 · 2,566 followers View post →
Ordo Fraterna Fibonacci
@ordofibonacci.bsky.social · Bluesky

A phylogenetic approach uncovers cryptic endogenous retrovirus subfamilies in the primate lineage Science Advances www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

Jul 19, 2025 View post →