FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·March 13, 2023·3 min readNovel Genes That May Increase Risk for Schizophrenia IdentifiedA new study has identified two novel genes associated with schizophrenia, and a third new gene linked to an increased risk of autism and schizophrenia.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·March 10, 2023·5 min readCould an Ancient Virus Be a Genetic Driver of Autism?Genome and transcriptome analysis revealed BTBR autism mouse models have increased levels of endogenous retrovirus genes. BTBR/R models of ASD showed differences in the expression of a variety of genes that are indicative of endogenous retrovirus activation. BTBR/R mice exhibit autistic-like behaviors without reduced learning abilities.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·March 8, 2023·4 min readHow Gene Expression Controls Synaptic Plasticity in the Aging Human BrainM1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) dependent LTP and LTD share a common AMPA trafficking pathway. Either the upregulation of neurotransmitter receptor genes or suppression of the downregulation could improve synaptic dysfunction associated with age-related neurodegeneration. The findings could assist in the creation of new therapies for Alzheimer's disease that target synaptic plasticity.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·March 8, 2023·4 min readModifying Messenger RNA May Provide a New Target for Alzheimer’s DiseaseTargeting and reducing the methylation of a key mRNA promoted the migration of macrophages in the brain and can improve cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurosciencePsychology·March 3, 2023·3 min readA Blood Factor Involved in DepressionIn adults, levels of GDF11, a gene that is key to the regeneration of murine neural stem cells, are inversely related to depressive episodes. Administering the GDF11 proteins to aging mice reduced depressive states and improved cognition.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·March 3, 2023·4 min readSmall Differences in Mom’s Behavior May Show Up in Child’s EpigenomeA mother's social interaction with her child, especially if her behavior is cold or awkward, correlated with a small increase in methylation of the child's NR3C1 gene. The NR3C1 is involved in the regulation of the HPA-axis which plays a critical role in stress response and the production of cortisol.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·March 1, 2023·3 min readStress Gene Dysregulation Found in Kids After Injury From Abuse vs. AccidentStudy reports on epigenetic changes to the FKBP5 gene, a key gene associated with the regulation of stress response in the body, in babies and young children who were injured as a result of abuse, but not accidental injury.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·March 1, 2023·4 min readHow to Generate New Neurons in the BrainAfter discovering the importance of cell metabolism in neurogenesis, researchers were able to increase the number of neurons in the brains of adult and elderly mice.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeurologyNeuroscience·February 27, 2023·3 min readHow the Brain’s Recycling System Breaks Down in Parkinson’s DiseaseEndophilin A1, a gene associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease also blocks the process by which the brain and body recycle waste.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·February 25, 2023·6 min readA New Epigenetic Brain Defense Against Recurrence of Opioid UseHDAC5, the "epigenetics" enzyme, plays a key role in limiting opioid-associated memories and drug-seeking behaviors following abstinence from drugs in rats. The findings provide a new avenue for the treatment of opioid addiction.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·February 16, 2023·5 min readDiscovery in Zebrafish May Yield Better Understanding of a Range of Mental Health Disorders Related to Stress and AnxietyDeficiencies in DSCAML1 disrupt normal brain development and increase baseline levels of cortisol, making the hormone less able to function correctly during periods of stress. The findings shed new light on programmed cell death in the developing brain and could lead to new treatments for mental health disorders including stress and anxiety.Read More
AutismFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·February 16, 2023·4 min readSensory Signals Are Integrated Differently, Underrepresented by Neurons in AutismEnvironmental sensory signals are integrated differently in those with Fragile X syndrome, causing them to be underrepresented by cortical pyramidal neurons.Read More
