Neurons Exchange Virus-like Capsules

This is an interesting article. Brain neurons are exchanging RNA molecules using HIV-shaped (icosahedral) capsules. It seems like it may have something to do with learning and the formation of long-term memories.

 

Retrovirus again

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/293289
Cell. 2018 Jan 11;172(1-2):275-288.e18. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.12.024.
The Neuronal Gene Arc Encodes a Repurposed Retrotransposon Gag Protein that Mediates Intercellular RNA Transfer.
Pastuzyn ED1, Day CE1, Kearns RB1, Kyrke-Smith M1, Taibi AV1, McCormick J2, Yoder N1, Belnap DM3, Erlendsson S4, Morado DR5, Briggs JAG5, Feschotte C2, Shepherd JD6.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29328915
Cell. 2018 Jan 11;172(1-2):275-288.e18. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.12.024.
The Neuronal Gene Arc Encodes a Repurposed Retrotransposon Gag Protein that Mediates Intercellular RNA Transfer.

 

Structural basis of arc binding to synaptic proteins: implications for cognitive disease.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/258646

Arc N-lobe binding is inhibited by small chemicals suggesting Arc's synaptic action may be druggable