The recent discovery by scientists reveals that the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), a known carcinogenic virus, has the potential to infect neuronal cells and induce various alterations in biomolecules. The research was carried out using the Raman Microspectroscopy Technique under the FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure) scheme to comprehend the potential impacts of this cancer-causing virus on brain cells.
Understanding Biomolecules
Biomolecules are organic molecules comprising carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Responsible for carrying out various functions in the body, they form the building blocks of life.
The Raman Microspectroscopy Technique
The Raman Microspectroscopy is an advanced light scattering technique. When high intensity laser light source is applied to a molecule, most of it scatters at the same wavelength, giving no valuable information. This process is known as Rayleigh Scatter. However, a marginal amount of light is scattered at different wavelengths, depending on the chemical structure of the analyte. This is referred to as Raman Scatter. Through this technique, molecular fingerprints of a wide range of liquid or solid samples can be analyzed. The method can effectively determine virus-induced cellular changes and provide invaluable insights into specific biomolecular alterations.
Epstein Barr Virus: A Brief Overview
The Epstein Barr Virus, belonging to the herpesvirus family, has a widespread presence in the human population. Generally, EBV remains harmless but can reactivate under unusual conditions such as immunological stress or immunocompetence, leading to health complications that include Burkitt’s lymphoma, stomach cancer, and multiple sclerosis among others.
Implications of the Findings
The findings reveal that EBV can alter biomolecules such as fatty acids, carbohydrates, and protein components. Consequences of these changes may result in diseases related to the central nervous system and brain cancer. Previous studies have pointed towards EBV’s role in various neurodegenerative diseases, however, its influence on brain cells remain largely uncharted territory. Scientists note that the virus could trigger gradual changes in neuronal biomolecules. Moreover, these alterations markedly differ from those observed in other supportive brain cells such as astrocytes and microglia. Under viral influence, cells indicate an increase in lipid, cholesterol, proline, and glucose molecules – biomolecular entities critical to viral host cell invasion.
About the FIST Scheme
The Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) was devised by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) to provide infrastructure and facilities that promote research and development. The scheme, aimed at boosting research work in novel areas and attracting fresh talent, is seen as a contributing factor in enhancing academic and professional research efficiency. The current shift in the FIST programme aims to orient itself towards Atmanirbhar Bharat’s objective by providing accessibility of R&D facilities not only for academic organizations but also startups, manufacturing industries, and MSMEs. Generally, the support provided for each FIST project does not exceed a period of five years.
With these findings, science steps closer to understanding the complexities of the effects of viruses on the human body and opens up pathways to potential new treatments.