HERV-W Allelic Variation in Health and Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Bhat Rakesh K., Ellestad Kristofor K., Wheatley B. Matt, Warren Rene, Holt Robert A., Power Christopher
Primary Institution: University of Alberta
Hypothesis
HERV-W env sequences responsible for encoding Syncytin-1 in the brain might be derived from multiple alleles and associated with neuroimmune gene expression depending on the host's age and health status.
Conclusion
Syncytin-1 expression in the brain during disease was associated with neuroinflammation and was principally encoded by a full length provirus.
Supporting Evidence
- HERV-W env sequences were encoded by multiple chromosomal loci in primary human neurons compared with less chromosomal diversity in astrocytes and microglia.
- HERV-W env transcript levels were correlated with the expression of multiple proinflammatory genes.
- Deep sequencing of brain transcriptomes disclosed the env transcripts to be the most abundant HERV-W transcripts.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a specific virus in our genes affects brain health, especially in diseases like multiple sclerosis, showing that it can cause inflammation.
Methodology
The study used deep sequencing and PCR to analyze HERV-W env sequences in brain samples from patients with and without neurological diseases.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on brain white matter and may not represent other brain regions or conditions.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 8 with multiple sclerosis and 8 non-MS subjects, median ages 56 and 60 respectively.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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