Alternative to the question:
"Can a cell become a neuron as result of infection with a virus?"
I have a few issues without an explanation, that would solve with this hypothesis.
Any arguments on why is NOT possible are welcome.
Thank you.
A neuron is a signal-transmitting cell in a multicellular organism (animal). A phage is a virus that infects prokaryotes (bacteria). So a neuron cannot be a phage.
Brian states it succinctly, but Anamaria I am not sure your question is what you intended to ask. Since a neuron is a nerve cell of some kind of animal, it cannot be equated to a non-living phage (bacteriophage) which is a virus that infects bacteria. They are extremely different in function, size, complexity, and purpose and there isn't a connection known at this time.
I agree with Brian and Robert, probably the question was intended differently. A phage is dormant extracellularly while a neuron transmits signals.
As far as I am aware, there are not any bacteriophages that can infect human cells. Do you mean something different by the word phage (have only heard it in reference to bacteriophages, with phage being the short version).
@Robert, yes I mean bacteriophages, viruses that thrive upon bacteria.
Thank you all for taking the time to answer my crazy question.
@ Brian Thomas Foley
Alternative: can a cell become a neuron after the infection with a phage virus?
@ Robert John Wolff
Is there any known reason why a neuron image resembles so well a type of phage virus?
@ Jaya Vikas Kurhekar
" Though a neuron can be infected by phages"
What if it becomes a neuron ONLY after infection? Would this option be possible?
Thank you!
Phages by definition are viruses that infect prokaryotic cells. I have never heard of a phage that can replicate in animal cells. There are many viruses that infect animal cells but I have never heard of one that can transform a cell of some other type into a neuron.
Brian Thomas Foley , is there any other type of virus that could do this?
Thank you
Anamaria - there are stem cells which are able to transform into neurons. Herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) is able to integrate into the human genome (insert) and thus will be transmitted via the gametes to the offspring. Since the virus would then be in the new individual it is possible that a stem cell transforming into a neuron could be "infected" with this virus. But it is unlikely, and no evidence exists that I am aware of, that the virus helps with the transformation. But, yes a virus infected stem cell hypothetically can transform into a neuron.
Robert John Wolff , thank you for your patience and contribution.
It's hard to get it sometimes when you come from a different area, but you made it simple to understand.
:)
@Robert, thank you for a new perspective. Hypothetically this seems a possibility.
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