Virologica Sinica Journal Cover Design Service (HERV-W env)

Virologica Sinica

17 August 2022

Domesticated HERV-W env contributes to the activation of the small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ type 2 channels via decreased 5-HT4 receptor in recent-onset schizophrenia

Xiulin Wu ^a , Qiujin Yan ^a , Lianzhong Liu ^b , Xing Xue ^a , Wei Yao ^a , Xuhang Li ^a , Wenshi Li ^a , Shuang Ding ^a , Yaru Xia ^a , Dongyan Zhang ^a , Fan Zhu ^a,c

10.1016/j.virs.2022.08.005

Recent studies suggest that the abnormal expression of HERV-W env is linked to schizophrenia and may participate in the etiology of schizophrenia, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this issue, Wu et al. observed the aberrant expression of 5-HT4R in patients with schizophrenia. Further analysis indicated a negative correlation between plasma 5-HT4R and HERV-W env. Cytological experiments indicated HERV-W env could upregulate SK2 expression through downregulating 5-HT4R expression. Additionally, electrophysiological recordings suggested that HERV-W env could increase SK2 channel currents via 5-HT4R. The cover image illustrates the possible role of HERV-W env that influences neuronal activity in schizophrenia.