NEW DELHI: Researchers from Arizona State University have made a significant discovery in Antarctica, uncovering 13 previously unknown papillomaviruses carried by Antarctic seals. The findings were recently published in the journal Virology.
Papillomaviruses, also known as HPVs, are small DNA viruses that infect epithelial cells in various species, including humans and animals.While hundreds of human papillomaviruses have been identified, they are classified into low-risk and high-risk types based on their association with cancer.
The study, led by Melanie Regney, a PhD student at ASU’s Varsani Lab, focused on exploring viruses in overlooked creatures. Regney emphasized the ubiquity of viruses, stating, “Viruses are everywhere.” Through analyzing tissue samples from leopard seals, Weddell seals, and Antarctic fur seals, the researchers identified 13 novel papillomaviruses, with 11 of them being entirely new viral types.
Evolutionary analysis revealed that these viruses are closely related to papillomaviruses infecting other carnivores, indicating a species-specific co-evolutionary relationship.
Of particular significance is the discovery that nine of the identified viruses contain genes potentially linked to cancer, similar to human papillomaviruses like HPV 16 and 18. While the implications for Antarctic seals are still uncertain, Regney stressed the importance of further research to protect these creatures in one of Earth’s most unexplored regions. She highlighted the pristine nature of Antarctica and the need to understand its virome to comprehend the ecosystem’s dynamics.
Papillomaviruses, also known as HPVs, are small DNA viruses that infect epithelial cells in various species, including humans and animals.While hundreds of human papillomaviruses have been identified, they are classified into low-risk and high-risk types based on their association with cancer.
The study, led by Melanie Regney, a PhD student at ASU’s Varsani Lab, focused on exploring viruses in overlooked creatures. Regney emphasized the ubiquity of viruses, stating, “Viruses are everywhere.” Through analyzing tissue samples from leopard seals, Weddell seals, and Antarctic fur seals, the researchers identified 13 novel papillomaviruses, with 11 of them being entirely new viral types.
Evolutionary analysis revealed that these viruses are closely related to papillomaviruses infecting other carnivores, indicating a species-specific co-evolutionary relationship.
Of particular significance is the discovery that nine of the identified viruses contain genes potentially linked to cancer, similar to human papillomaviruses like HPV 16 and 18. While the implications for Antarctic seals are still uncertain, Regney stressed the importance of further research to protect these creatures in one of Earth’s most unexplored regions. She highlighted the pristine nature of Antarctica and the need to understand its virome to comprehend the ecosystem’s dynamics.
