Mysteries of Antarctic: Researchers find 13 new papillomaviruses in seals

To unravel the mysteries ofAntarctica,researchers from Arizona State University have unearthed a major discovery where they found the presence of 13 previously unknown papillomaviruses carried by Antarctic seals. The latest findings were published in the journal Virology.

Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of small DNA viruses that infect the epithelial cells in humans and other animals. There are hundreds of human papillomaviruses identified, and they are classified into low-risk and high-risk types based on their association with cancer.

Papillomaviruses, infect various species including humans, mammals like seals, and reptiles and have long been a focus of scientific inquiry.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

However, much of the research has predominantly centered around human infections.

Melanie Regney, a PhD student at ASU's Varsani Lab and the lead author of the study, expressed her enthusiasm for exploring viruses in overlooked creatures, reportedly stating,“Viruses are everywhere."

“They’re the most abundant entity in the universe. But despite that, they’re one of the things we know the least about. We don’t even know most of them exist," Regney added.

Also Read |Research predicts solar eclipse path might slightly shift. How can you watch totality now?

Regney's interest in Antarctica led her team to study tissue samples from leopard seals, Weddell seals, , and Antarctic fur seals.

Genome sequencing

Through genomic sequencing, they identified 13 novel papillomaviruses, with 11 of them representing entirely new viral types.

By employing evolutionary analysis, they determined that these viruses are closely related to papillomaviruses infecting other carnivores. The finding suggested a species-specific co-evolutionary relationship.

Also Read |Deep space collision gives gravitational-wave signal, 650 million light-years away

Of particular concern is the discovery that nine of these viruses possess genes potentially associated with cancer. This is akin to human papillomaviruses like HPV 16 and 18.

Watch |USDA reveals bird flu updates, Cattle movement implicated in bird flu outbreak

While the impact on Antarctic seals remains uncertain, Regney pointed out the importance of further research to safeguard thesecreatures in the Earth's most unexplored region.

“Antarctica as a whole continent is very pristine. It’s the only one that still remains the least touched by human presence ... so we don’t know a lot about it. Studying the evolutionary aspect of Antarctica’s virome there is very important to understand how the ecosystem works there," Regney said.

(With inputs from agencies)