Viruses can modify human evolution through horizontal gene transfer
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 88/100
Multiple studies demonstrate that ancient viral infections have contributed significant genetic material to the human genome through endogenous retroviruses, actively shaping human gene regulation, immunity, and evolution via horizontal transfer processes.
Evidence for · 9
Switching roles for DNA and histone methylation depend on evolutionary ages of human endogenous retroviruses
2018 · cited by 107
Paper [0] discusses how human endogenous retroviruses make up a significant portion of the human genome and have undergone evolutionary changes over time.
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More for · 8
Viral Causality of Human Cancer and Potential Roles of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in the Multi-Omics Era: An Evolutionary Epidemiology Review
2021 · cited by 16
Paper [1] explores the integration of viral elements into our genome and their evolutionary role in human pathophysiology and multi-omics research.
Human Endogenous Retroviruses and Diseases
2025 · cited by 9
Paper [2] highlights that endogenous retroviruses, as remnants of ancient infections, comprise nearly 8% of the human genome and influence gene expression and evolution.
The expression, regulation, and function of human endogenous retroviruses in genitourinary cancers
2025 · cited by 6
Paper [3] examines how human endogenous retroviruses represent genomic remnants of ancestral infections that colonized the germline through evolutionary processes.
Transposon invasion of primate genomes shaped human inflammatory enhancers and susceptibility to inflammatory diseases
2025 · cited by 4
Paper [4] shows that transposons and endogenous retroviruses have uniquely reshaped primate genomes and spread novel regulatory sequences over evolutionary time.
Endogenous retroviruses in aging and cancer: from genomic defense to oncogenic activation
2025 · cited by 3
Paper [5] details the evolutionary persistence and exaptation of endogenous retroviruses within mammalian genomes.
Human Endogenous Retroviruses; Evolutionary Dynamics, Chromosomal Location and Host Benefit
2008 · cited by 2
Paper [6] notes that human endogenous retroviruses are remnants of past infections integrated into the human genome that have provided selective advantages and regulatory functions.
Endogenous human stem cell-associated retroviruses
2015 · cited by 1
Paper [7] discusses how endogenous retroviruses have seeded thousands of human-specific regulatory sequences, helping maintain pluripotency and evolutionary adaptation.
Vestigial vigilance: Reactivating dormant evolutionary pathways in human immunity
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [8] outlines how human endogenous retroviruses constitute a substantial portion of the human genome and reflect ancestral evolutionary adaptations.