Gene Found to be Crucial for Formation of Certain Brain Circuitry

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University report they have identified a gene involved in building the circuitry that relays signals through the brain by using a powerful gene-hunting technique. The gene is a likely player in the aging process in the mammalian brain. By demonstrating the usefulness of the new method, the discovery can also pave the way for faster progress toward identifying genes involved in complex mental illnesses—as well as potential drugs for such conditions.
 
“We have been looking for a way to sift through large numbers of genes at the same time to see whether they affect processes we’re interested in,” says Richard Huganir, Ph.D., director of the Johns Hopkins University Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience. “By adapting an automated process to neurons, we were able to go through 800 genes to find one needed for forming synapses—connections—among those cells.” To read more about the results of this research, click here.