Shared mechanisms in fragile X syndrome, autism and schizophrenia at neuronal synapses
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 - 14:00
in Health & Medicine
Several psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, autism and intellectual disabilities share the same brain cell abnormalities: the contacts (synapses) between brain cells are poorly developed and not functional. Researchers have unraveled how a single protein orchestrates two biological processes to form proper contacts between brain cells. Importantly, the researchers identified various proteins that are important for the balance of the two processes and associated with several neurological disorders.