The grandfather virus: the unexpected legacy that could save lives

Authors

  • Francisca Villanueva-Flores Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Boulevard de la Tecnología, 1036 Z-1, P 2/2, 62790, Xochitepec, Morelos, México.
  • Ashley Jovanna Gutierrez-Onofre Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Boulevard de la Tecnología, 1036 Z-1, P 2/2, 62790, Xochitepec, Morelos, México.
  • Igor Garcia-Atutxa Departamento de ciencias de la computación. Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Av. de los Jerónimos, 135, 30107, Murcia, España. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1551-2685

Keywords:

Retrotransposons, retrovirus, virus-like particles

Abstract

Did you know our DNA contains small traces of ancient viruses that infected us millions of years ago? Interestingly, our bodies eventually learned to make use of them. Scientists identified a gene called PEG10, which originates from an ancestral virus, and discovered that it can create small natural capsules to transport genetic messages to target cells. This discovery inspired the development of SEND, a “molecular Uber” type designed to deliver genetic information precisely where needed, opening the door to safer and more personalized gene and immune therapies, explicitly tailored to each population. 

References

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Published

2025-06-22

How to Cite

Villanueva-Flores, F., Gutierrez-Onofre, A. J., & Garcia-Atutxa, I. (2025). The grandfather virus: the unexpected legacy that could save lives. Revista De divulgación científica IBIO, 7(2), 244. Retrieved from http://revistaibio.com/ojs33/index.php/main/article/view/244

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025): Science that transforms into solutions

Section

Hot Science

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