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Study Reveals Key Role of Ancient Viruses in Human Embryo Development

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Disabling LTR5Hs in blastocyst-mimicking stem-cell models disrupts embryonic cell organization or causes death.
Raquel Fueyo, Stanford biologist, led the study using blastocyst-mimicking stem cells.
LTR5Hs elements are unique to humans and essential for proper embryonic tissue formation.
Up to 9% of human DNA derives from ancient viruses, illustrating how changes in gene-regulatory networks can yield species-specific innovations.

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Story summary

Disabling LTR5Hs in blastocyst-mimicking stem-cell models disrupts embryonic cell organization or causes death.
Raquel Fueyo, Stanford biologist, led the study using blastocyst-mimicking stem cells.
LTR5Hs elements are unique to humans and essential for proper embryonic tissue formation.
Up to 9% of human DNA derives from ancient viruses, illustrating how changes in gene-regulatory networks can yield species-specific innovations.