Mental DailyMental Daily
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • More
    • Opinion
    • The Discussion
    • My Bookmarks
Aa
Mental Daily
Aa
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • Opinion
Search
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • More
    • Opinion
    • The Discussion
    • My Bookmarks
Follow US
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store
© 2022 - Mental Daily. All Rights Reserved.
Clinical

p75NTR protein may be the cause of deficits correlated with autism spectrum disorder

Staff Writer
Staff Writer 3 years ago
Updated 2020/02/28 at 11:19 PM
Share
SHARE

In a recent study, researchers were able to identify cognitive and behavioral deficits correlated with autism spectrum disorder caused by a missing protein known as p75NTR.

The findings, released in the Journal of Neuroscience, may also deepen our understanding on whether any genetic link between autism and neurodegenerative illnesses, like Alzheimer’s disease, exists.

During the study, the team at Rutgers University sought to get a more comprehensive standpoint on the primary function in brain development of the p75NTR protein and the death of brain cells caused by this form of genetic mutation. The protein has been probed in the past for potential correlations with neurodegeneration.

In the team’s examination of rodents, they found that the participants with no trace of the p75NTR protein had an abnormally high level of brain cells in the cerebellum, a region of the brain synonymous with autism spectrum disorder. Experiments were initiated on the rodents with and without the presence of p75NTR protein in the brain.

From the findings: “The cerebellum has been shown to be involved in numerous behaviors in addition to its classic association with motor function. Cerebellar function is disrupted in a variety of psychiatric disorders, including those on the autism spectrum.”

“Here we show that the p75 neurotrophin receptor, which is abundantly expressed in the proliferating cerebellar granule cell progenitors, regulates the cell cycle of these progenitors,” researchers explained.

“In the absence of this receptor, the cell cycle is dysregulated, leading to excessive progenitor proliferation, which alters the balance of inputs to Purkinje cells, disrupting the circuitry and leading to functional deficits that persist into adulthood.”

The findings concluded: “These results demonstrate the necessity of appropriate developmental timing of the cell cycle for establishment of proper connectivity and associated behavior.”

You Might Also Like

MIT study shows how microglia can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

New paper refutes theory that the human brain shrank 3,000 years ago

New study finds that people with autism are more skilled at reading emotions in cartoons

New report explores the link between dementia and air pollution

How herpes simplex virus may help trigger the onset of Alzheimer’s disease

TAGGED: p75NTR protein, Alzheimer's disease, autism
Staff Writer January 11, 2020
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Print
Previous Article Partisanship still considered the most differentiating factor dividing both political parties
Next Article Study shows how lifestyle changes could boost resilience in frontotemporal dementia

Recommended

Clinical

MIT study shows how microglia can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

1 Min Read
Clinical

New paper refutes theory that the human brain shrank 3,000 years ago

1 Min Read
Clinical

New study finds that people with autism are more skilled at reading emotions in cartoons

1 Min Read
Clinical

New report explores the link between dementia and air pollution

1 Min Read
//

We are a trusted online source for research news and resources on all aspects of the mind and human behavior.

Verticals

  • Clinical
  • Health
  • Social
  • I/O
  • Opinion

Social

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store

Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Follow US

© 2022 Mental Daily. All Rights Reserved.

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?