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Brain Virome in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Transcriptomic Data Analysis
Brinda Balakrishnan1, Siva Santhiya Arul1, Aarti Ravindran1
1Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai 600025, India.
ACS Chemical Neuroscience
|October 9, 2023
Summary
This study explored brain viruses in neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). Findings suggest a brain virome exists, with specific virus patterns potentially linked to different ND types.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Central Nervous System Disorders
Background:
- Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) progressively damage neurons, with causes including genetics, aging, and infections.
- The role of viral infections in ND development and prognosis remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of neurotropic viruses in brain samples.
- To determine if viral infections are associated with neurodegenerative disorders.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptomic data from 129 datasets were analyzed.
- Genomic information from 1635 viral isolates representing 18 distinct viruses was utilized.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports the existence of a brain virome, a community of viruses within the brain.
- Certain viruses were found to co-occur within the brain virome.
Conclusions:
- Distinct brain virome profiles may be associated with different forms of neurodegenerative disorders.
- Further research is warranted to understand the causal links between viruses and NDs.
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