The involvement of human endogenous retroviruses K (HERV-K) in aging processes via induction of inflammation

Abstract

This detailed analysis provides an insight into aging processes in the human organism. The developmental program that controls the regulation of gene expression through epigenetic modifications leads to cellular senescence in the latter life. This epigenetic development system uses endogenous retroviruses and other retrotransposons as control elements that regulate gene expression through non-coding RNAs. Interaction with sex hormones causes activation of human endogenous retroviruses K (HERV-K) inducing a prolonged innate immune response and therefore chronic inflammation leading to complex changes in the signaling pathways inside the cell and thus contributes to age-associated phenotype in the form of tissue deterioration and may cause a spontaneous transition of tissues to cancer state.