The placenta goes viral: Retroviruses control gene expression in pregnancy [pdf]

May 25, 2026 · 9:57 AM UTC ·16 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 38 views

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Recent research highlights the role of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in regulating gene expression during pregnancy. A study found that a primate-specific ERV functions as a placenta-specific enhancer for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is crucial for birth timing. This discovery suggests that retroviruses have a significant yet underexplored impact on the evolution of placental gene regulatory networks.

Key facts

▪Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are increasingly recognized for their role in placental biology.
▪A recent study identified a primate-specific ERV that regulates the gene for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).
▪The findings indicate that retroviruses may have shaped the evolution of placental gene regulatory networks.

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Record

Original publisher	Nih
Canonical URL	https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6177113/
Publication time	Mon, 25 May 2026 09:57:44 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-05-25T10:07:36.651Z
Last seen	2026-05-25T10:07:36.651Z
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

PLoS Biol. 2018 Oct 9;16(10):e3000028. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000028 Search in PMC Search in PubMed View in NLM Catalog Add to search The placenta goes viral: Retroviruses control gene expression in pregnancy Edward B Chuong Edward B Chuong 1BioFrontiers Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America Find articles by Edward B Chuong 1,* Author information Article notes Copyright and License information 1BioFrontiers Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America The author has declared that no competing interests exist. ✉* E-mail: [email protected] Collection date 2018 Oct. © 2018 Edward B.

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