Source of Zika neurodevelopmental defects

Sumary of Source of Zika neurodevelopmental defects:

• Molecular Biology at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, identified how microcephaly (abnormally small heads) and blindness may develop in Zika-infected fetuses, as well as a new way to potentially prevent these neurodevelopmental defects..
• The mechanism by which Zika virus disrupts neuronal development and results in congenital Zika syndrome was unknown..
• Because of similarities between Zika syndrome and a recognized congenital genetic disease (Kinesin-5) known to cause microcephaly and retinopathies in developing infants, the research team studied both, looking for similarities..
• “We had a hunch that the microcephaly and blindness that results from Kinesin-5 genetic disease could be linked to Zika infection, and the hunch paid off,”.
• “Our experiments identify a molecular motor as a target for degradation by an encoded Zika virus protein (Zika protease)..
• The researchers observed that Zika protease cuts Kinesin-5 during cell division, disrupting the process and causing a loss of function..
• Since the protease is part of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, only target proteins that come in direct contact with the ER can be degraded…

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From ScienceDaily - April 7, 2021