Latest

MECP2

·December 16, 2024·6 min read

Protein Loss Triggers Molecular Changes Linked to Rett Syndrom

Researchers have uncovered how loss of the MeCP2 protein triggers early molecular changes leading to Rett syndrome, a severe neurological disorder. By studying adult mice, they demonstrated that MeCP2 loss disrupts gene expression well before measurable neurological deficits arise.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·October 4, 2023·4 min read

Single Protein Rewires the Brain to Adapt to Motherhood

The presence of the MECP2 protein in parvalbumin (PV) neurons is crucial for newly-mothering mice to rapidly learn and respond to their pups’ distress cries, hinting at how the brain rewires during pivotal adult learning phases. When MECP2 is absent, maternal mice show neglectful behavior toward their young, illuminating how the protein’s dysfunction could contribute to communication and interpretation deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome in humans.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·July 28, 2021·3 min read

Discovery Points to Ketamine’s Long-Term Antidepressant Effects

The MeCP2 gene influences ketamine's behavioral effect and strengthens synapses, leading to an improvement in the drug's antidepressant effect over time.

Featured Genetics

·July 22, 2020·6 min read

Proteins, and Labs, Coming Together to Prevent Rett Syndrome

Findings about the distribution of condensates in Rett syndrome shed light on how cells compartmentalize chromosomes and provide new insights into potential paths of therapies for the neurodevelopmental disorder.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 8, 2020·4 min read

Abnormal neuron activity manifests as parental neglect

Abnormal activation of parvalbumin neurons in the young mouse auditory cortex manifests as a result of maternal neglect.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·August 8, 2019·6 min read

Decoding touch: Potential therapy for abnormal touch sensitivity in autism spectrum disorders

Isoguavacine, an old experimental compound which exclusively targets peripheral neurons, mitigates abnormal touch sensitivity in mouse models of ASD. The compound also improved body mass, reduces anxiety, and in one genetic subset of mice, prevented the development of brain abnormalities that arise from altered touch response.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·July 22, 2019·4 min read

Exosomes may hold the answer to treating and diagnosing developmental brain disorders

Exosomes carry signaling information required to regulate neural circuit development.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·January 29, 2018·4 min read

Researchers Reverse Symptoms in Rett Syndrome Model

Activating neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex can reverse breathing and memory abnormalities in mouse models of Rett syndrome, researchers report.

Autism Featured Genetics Psychology

·January 5, 2018·6 min read

X Chromosome Reactivation Could Treat Rett Syndrome and Other X-Linked Disorders

Mass General researchers have developed a strategy for treating disorders related to the X chromosome.

Image shows a Queen's Guard laying on the floor after fainting.

Featured Genetics Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 26, 2017·3 min read

Fainting Disorder Mechanism Identified

Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind the fainting disorder, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

Featured Genetics Psychology

·September 26, 2016·5 min read

Gene Regulation in Brain May Explain Repetitive Behaviors in Rett Syndrome Patients

A new study reports a protein associated with Rett syndrome is also among a group of three proteins that affect the function of a gene previously linked to OCD.