Ancient Viruses in the Human Genome Linked to Mental Health Conditions

People with higher genetic risk for depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are more likely to have unusual activity levels of "fossil viruses" in their genomes

Ancient viruses that integrated into the human genome millions of years ago may influence the risk of mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. These viruses, remnants of retroviruses known as human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), can exhibit abnormal activity levels in individuals genetically predisposed to thes…