804R Fall 2025 From Placenta to Pathology: The Duality of Our Viral Genes

804R  From Placenta to Pathology: The Duality of Our Viral Genes
Three sessions 
Instructor: Suresh Mohla
Wednesdays, 11:50—1:15, Sept. 24—Oct. 8
Human DNA is more than just a blueprint for our physical form and biological functions. In a curious and often underappreciated twist, a significant portion of our genetic material comes from ancient virus DNA. Our ancestral cells were infected with DNA from viruses over 500 million years ago. However, over time most viral genes have been silenced; only a tiny fraction remains active but plays a pivotal role in human biology. These remnants of ancient viral infections can have both beneficial and harmful effects on the human body. Viral DNA plays critical roles in human fertilization as early as in a 3-day embryo, stimulating its immune system, placental formation, and during pregnancy and parturition. Unfortunately, viral genes also play critical roles in aging, obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Uncovering the mysteries of our viral gene heritage yields insights into how these ancient invaders continue to shape our biology, for better or for worse.
Suresh Mohla, PhD and endocrinologist, did his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine. He has over 45 years of experience in cancer research including 25 years at the National Cancer Institute. He has taught at OLLI on multiple topics in cancer since 2020.