What is your DNA really for? Unpacking the DNA Wallet - Cédric Blais

Year
2025
Organisation
University of Dalhousie
Tags
genomics
endogenous retroviruses
viral DNA
human genome
DNA methylation
bioinformatics
evolutionary biology
genetic regulation
genome evolution
disease genetics
computational biology
Summary

About 8% of the human genome originates from ancient viruses. This research uses bioinformatics and evolutionary comparisons to understand why viral DNA persists and how cells silence it through DNA methylation. Identifying how genomes separate useful from non-functional DNA helps clarify which genetic elements matter for human health and disease.