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Genetics

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 25, 2022·4 min read

Gene Involved in Neuronal Structure and Function May Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Overexpression of KIF11, a gene associated with the structure and function of neurons, prevents and protects against cognitive decline in both mouse models and humans with Alzheimer's disease pathologies. Boosting KIF11 expression could be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline, and boosting learning and memory in Alzheimer's patients.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 26, 2022·5 min read

Disruption of the Growth Hormone Receptor Gene in Adipose Tissue Results in Increased Lifespan

In mice, disruption of the growth hormone receptor gene in fat cells improved insulin sensitivity in advanced age and increased lifespan.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 28, 2022·6 min read

Cellular Housekeeping Process Implicated in Huntington’s Disease

Study reveals how aging impairs autophagy and how enhancing autophagy can prevent cells from dying in Huntington's disease.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·October 29, 2022·4 min read

Stem Cell Grafts and Rehabilitation Combined Boost Spinal Cord Injury Results

Intensive physical therapy in tandem with neural stem cell grafts increases tissue growth, repair, and functionality more than using the treatments alone for spinal cord injuries.

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Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·October 30, 2022·6 min read

New Clues Into a Serious Neurodegenerative Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia

A genetic form of frontotemporal dementia is associated with abnormal lipid accumulation in the brain fueled by disrupted cell metabolism. The findings could pave the way for new targeted therapies for FTD.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 31, 2022·4 min read

A Potential New Treatment Target for Sleep Apnea

TRPM7 plays a role in suppressing breathing in obese mice with symptoms of sleep apnea.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·November 1, 2022·4 min read

Study Offers New Insights Into Genetic Mutations in Autism Disorders and Points to Possible Treatments

Mutations of the PTEN gene cause neurons to grow to twice the size and form four times the number of synaptic connections to other neurons as a normal neuron. Removing the RAPTOR gene, an essential gene in the mTORC1 signaling pathway, prevents the neuronal and synaptic overgrowth associated with PTEN mutations. Using Rapamycin to inhibit mTORC1 recues all the changes in neuronal overgrowth.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·November 2, 2022·5 min read

Brain Changes in Autism Are Far More Sweeping Than Previously Known

Brain changes associated with ASD encompass more areas than previously believed, a new study reports. Researchers identified brain-wide changes in all 11 cortical regions analyzed. The greatest gene drop-offs were found in the visual cortex and the parietal cortex, a brain area associated with processing touch, pain, and temperature information. The findings shed light on sensory hypersensitivity associated with ASD. Additionally, researchers say the RNA alterations associated with ASD are more likely a cause than a result of autism.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·November 3, 2022·3 min read

Inflammation May Amplify Effect of Genetic Risk Variants for Schizophrenia

Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta and IL-6 stimulate the expression of the schizophrenia-related C4A gene. Patients with high C4A expression displayed increased levels of IL-1 beta in cerebral spinal fluid samples. C4A levels were also correlated with markers of synaptic density. Findings reveal inflammation enhances the genetic risk variant for schizophrenia.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 8, 2022·5 min read

Genetics May Explain Link Between Unhealthy Teen Lifestyles and Accelerated Biological Aging

The epigenetic clocks of those who indulged in unhealthy behaviors as teens were 1.7 to 3.3 years older than individuals who reported more healthy lifestyles as teens.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·November 9, 2022·2 min read

Genetic Variation and the Diverse Range of Behaviors in Autism

Findings provide a better understanding of how natural genetic variations impact brain development and give rise to the spectrum of autism-associated behaviors.