Neurology advisor.com is reporting on a new study by National Institutes of Health researchers suggesting that reactivated viral genes may be involved in some forms of ALS. The researchers showed that the brains of ALS patients have higher concentrations of mRNA encoded by the human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K). The envelope (env) protein, encoded by the HERV-K gene may play a role in neurodegeneration. Expression of the HERV-K gene or its env protein caused retraction and beading of the axons and dendrites of cultured human neurons. Transgenic mice with the HERV-K gene experienced problems with balance and walking and did not live as long as wild-type mice.
Link to full story in Neurology Advisor.
Link to original peer reviewed paper describing this work.
Link to full story in Neurology Advisor.
Link to original peer reviewed paper describing this work.
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