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Intercellular Communication in the Nervous System Goes Viral.
Michael P Hantak1, Jenifer Einstein1, Rachel B Kearns1
1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Trends in Neurosciences
|January 24, 2021
Summary
The neuronal gene Arc forms virus-like capsids to transfer RNA between cells, mediating communication. This finding reveals a novel pathway for brain plasticity and memory, with potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Viruses and transposable elements constitute over half of the human genome and can be co-opted for host functions.
- The neuronal gene Arc has been observed to form virus-like capsids, suggesting a role in intercellular communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a life cycle for the Arc protein based on retroviral Gag.
- To explore the role of Arc in neuronal intercellular communication and its implications for brain plasticity and memory.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis to trace the evolutionary origin of Arc.
- Comparative analysis of Arc homologs in mammals and Drosophila.
- Literature review on retroviral Gag polyproteins and their functions.
Main Results:
- Mammalian Arc is derived from a Ty3/gypsy retrotransposon and shows homology to retroviral Gag polyproteins.
- Drosophila Arc homologs, independently derived from the same retrotransposon family, mediate RNA cell-to-cell signaling.
- Arc-mediated RNA transfer represents a novel intercellular communication pathway in neurons.
Conclusions:
- Arc's life cycle shares similarities with retroviral Gag, highlighting convergent evolution.
- Understanding Arc's function offers insights into neuronal plasticity and memory mechanisms.
- This research opens avenues for novel therapeutic strategies targeting brain function.
Keywords:
ArcRNAendogenous retrovirusextracellular vesicleintercellular communicationneurodegenerationneuronretrotransposonsynaptic plasticityMore Related Videos
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