Virus Stole a Human Gene and Won't Let Go of It

A virus called Molluscum contagiosum has been found to have a human gene in its genome, and it won't let go of it even after being cultured in a lab. The virus, which causes a skin infection, was analyzed by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), who found that it had acquired a human gene called MCM10, which is involved in DNA replication. The researchers were surprised by the discovery, as it is rare for a virus to incorporate human genes into its genome. The UCLA team found that the MCM10 gene was present in 30% of the virus samples they analyzed, suggesting that it may be a common feature of the virus. The researchers believe that the virus acquired the gene through a process called horizontal gene transfer, where genes are transferred from one organism to another without the need for reproduction. This is the first time a human gene has been found in a virus in this way, and the discovery has implications for our understanding of the evolution of viruses and the spread of diseases.