Researchers
from Johns Hopkins have made a discovery involving how our brain transmits
signals within itself. The gene found is
used in the formation of our brains circuitry.
This is a platform that can be used to detect and treat debilitating
human conditions like schizophrenia and autism.
The technique involved testing many genes simultaneously to find their
particular role in brain development and function. The number and formation of synapses seemed to
be directly correlated to certain genes.
The gene LRP6 was found to affect the excitatory synapses which are
correlated with the aging and deterioration of the brain. The identification, study, and manipulation
of this gene could allow the understanding of how the brain ages and hopefully
ways to counteract its degeneration.
This is really interesting Adam, it's really great that they can pinpoint that the LRP6 gene and hopefully with time prevent dementia's and other debilitating brain diseases.
ReplyDeleteI love studying the brain so articles like these interest me the most. Research like these make us a step closer to understanding and possibly finding a cure for neurological disorders and diseases.
ReplyDeleteThis article is really fascinating and has raised hope for the cure/prevention of brain diseases such as autism and schizophrenia. I feel super horrible when I see somebody with one of the diseases, especially when I see a child with a disease. How could the world be so cruel to give a kid, or anybody, these types of diseases? The finding of a gene that could possibly help to find a cure within the next few years is an uplift.
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