Endogenous retrovirus group K member 28 (ERVK-28)

Endogenous retrovirus group K member 28 (ERVK-28) is a specific locus of the HERV-K (HML-2) subgroup, located on chromosome 19q12, integrated into the human genome as a remnant of ancient retroviral infections[2]. ERVK-28, like other ERVK members, is largely transcriptionally silent in most tissues but can be expressed at low frequencies in certain cancers, such as melanoma. Evidence shows that the ERVK-28 locus is transcribed in some melanoma and metastasis samples, including the capacity to encode full-length Gag and Env proteins, indicating it may still have the potential to produce retroviral proteins, though this is rare[2]. In general, the HERV-K protease (not specific to ERVK-28, but from related loci) is under study for its possible roles in oncogenesis and neurodegenerative disorders[1]. However, the clinical significance of the ERVK-28 locus remains mostly associative within the family context; it is not a classical drug target, nor is it exploited directly in approved therapeutic strategies. Some research is directed at the broader HERV-K/ERVK family and their encoded proteins as possible contributors to disease progression or as experimental therapeutic targets[1][2].

Other names

HERV-K (HML-2) 28human endogenous retrovirus K 28ERVK-28HML-2 28