New research has shed light on the complex interplay between cell proteins, and how they impact on neurons in neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
May 15 2024University of Exeter New research has shed light on the complex interplay between cell proteins, and how they impact on neurons in neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
The researchers began studying CNTN4 because it was known to have a role in autism, but its functional roles were not well understood. The team explored how CNTN4 functions within the brain, particularly its interactions with proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Researchers have demonstrated for the first time in human cells the interaction between genes CNTN4 and APP, a gene strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease, revealing a co-dependent relationship that is essential for brain development, and specifically for the healthy growth of neurons. They found that CNTN4 not only contributes to neural elongation in the frontal cortex region of the brain, but also CNTN4 expression is regulated via a relationship with APP.
The study's lead author, Dr Rosemary Bamford, of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: "It was quite remarkable to discover that CNTN4, a gene linked to developmental processes, also plays a role in modulating factors involved in Alzheimer's disease. This intersection of developmental and neurodegenerative pathways offers exciting new insights into the broader implications of these proteins.
Alzheimer's Disease Autism Brain Cell Cortex Gene Medical School Neurons Protein
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