We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics UK Ltd.

Download Mobile App




Protein That Causes Damage in Early Brain Development Linked to Schizophrenia

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Dec 2014
Print article
Image: Structure of a typical neuron dendrite (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Image: Structure of a typical neuron dendrite (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).
Overexpression of a protein encoded by a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia was found to cause defective cortical patterning, which results in pathological structural changes in the developing brain.

The role of nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) in the development of schizophrenia was studied in a rat model by investigators at Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ, USA). NOS1AP is cytosolic protein that binds to the signaling molecule, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). This protein has a C-terminal PDZ-binding domain that mediates interactions with nNOS and an N-terminal phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain that binds to the small monomeric G protein, Dexras1. Studies have shown that this protein functions as an adapter protein linking nNOS to specific targets, such as Dexras1 and the synapsins.

Working with a rat model, the investigators knocked down or co-overexpressed NOS1AP and a GFP (green fluorescent protein) or TagRFP (red fluorescent protein) reporter in neuronal progenitor cells of the embryonic rat neocortex using an utero electroporation technique. They analyzed sections of cortex (ventricular zone, intermediate zone, and cortical plate containing GFP or TagRFP positive cells and counted the percentage of positive cells that migrated to each region from at least three rats for each condition.

Results published in the October 29, 2014, online edition of the journal Biological Psychiatry revealed that NOS1AP overexpression disrupted neuronal migration, resulting in increased cells in the intermediate zone and fewer cells in the cortical plate. An overabundance of NOS1AP also inhibited the process of dendritogenesis, neuronal growth during early brain development that is crucial to creating appropriate neural network structures necessary for all brain functions. In contrast, results from rats where NOS1AP production was "knocked down" showed increased neuronal migration, with more cells reaching the cortical plate.

"When the brain develops, it sets up a system of the right type of connectivity to make sure that communication can occur," said senior author Dr. Bonnie Firestein, professor of cell biology and neuroscience at Rutgers University. "What we saw here was that the nerve cells did not move to the correct locations and did not have dendrites that branch out to make the connections that were needed. The next step would be to let the disease develop in the laboratory and try to treat the over expression of the protein with an antipsychotic therapy to see if it works."

Related Links:

Rutgers University


New
Gold Member
C-Reactive Protein Reagent
CRP Ultra Wide Range Reagent Kit
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Laboratory Electric Thermostat
DNP-9025A
New
ELISA System
ABSOL HS DUO

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of maternal biomarker discovery using cell-free RNA during pregnancy (Photo courtesy of Circulation Research (2024). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325024)

Maternal Blood Test Identifies Congenital Heart Diseases in Fetus

Each year, around 1,000 children are born with a single ventricle heart defect (SVHD), a condition where one of the heart's lower chambers is underdeveloped, too small, or missing a valve.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.