"Viral DNA: Essential for Embryonic Development"
Researchers from the CNIO have discovered that a virus that infected animals hundreds of millions of years ago plays a crucial role in the development of embryos. The viral genetic material integrated into the genome of the first multi-cellular beings is still present in our DNA today and is essential for the transition from totipotency to pluripotency in embryos. This finding has implications for regenerative medicine and artificial embryo creation, as it opens up new possibilities for generating stable cell lines in the totipotency phases. The study sheds light on the symbiotic co-evolution of endogenous retroviruses with host cells to ensure the smooth progression of early embryonic development.