Mutations in two genes that regulate a
neurotransmitter essential for forebrain development can lead to brain
disorders.
David Eisenstat and his team examined a neurotransmitter in the brain called
GABA which is essential to forebrain development in the embryo. They found that
two specific genes, DLX1 and DLX2, regulate GABA synthesis during brain
development, and that mutations to the genes resulted in abnormal brain
maturation.
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.
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‘Mutations in the DLX1 and DLX2 gene during embryo development can cause autism, seizure disorder in children and behavioral issues in adults.’
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If these mutations happen during embryonic development, there could be several neurological problems: the child could become autistic, kids could be born with seizure disorder, or the developing neurons might not migrate to their proper site in the brain. In adults, there could be behavioural issues.
"Our findings have potential implications for autism and seizure
disorders that currently aren't treatable--at least not by targeting
GABA," said Eisenstat, the senior author of the study and chair of the
Department of Oncology at the U of A as well as professor in the departments of
Pediatrics and Medical Genetics.
![Mitochondrial Genetic Patterns Associated With Autism]( "Mitochondrial Genetic Patterns Associated With Autism")
The risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be influenced by genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA determined by ancient migrations.
According to the researcher, GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is produced when DLX1 and DLX2 genes act as a molecular switch, activating an enzyme that converts a chemical called glutamate to GABA. Problems occur when the balance between glutamate--an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and nervous system--and GABA fall out of sync.
"GABA tells the brain to slow down. Glutamate tells the brain to speed up. A healthy brain is found in the balance," explained Eisenstat.
"In some ways we have figured out how to turn on GABA. And if, going back to these diseases, we have a better idea of how to balance glutamate and GABA, we could potentially come up with new therapies for treating seizures and maybe even some children with autism."
He said that while that may sound like a lot of hand waving, 25 percent of children with autism have a seizure disorder.
"That's not well understood. It's not all because of GABA, that would be an oversimplification, but this hypothesis is worth further testing," he said.
Eisenstat believes the findings have revealed a new pathway scientists could use to treat developmental brain disorders by getting to the root cause of problem. He hopes other researchers now take up the work and build upon it.
"I think we've unraveled a pathway to begin to take something that wasn't druggable and make it druggable," said Eisenstat. "I think in some ways, it's coming up with smarter therapy."
Source: Eurekalert
Mitochondrial Genetic Patterns Associated With Autism
The risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be influenced by genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA determined by ancient migrations.
Advertisement
According to the researcher, GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is produced when DLX1 and DLX2 genes act as a molecular switch, activating an enzyme that converts a chemical called glutamate to GABA. Problems occur when the balance between glutamate--an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and nervous system--and GABA fall out of sync.
"GABA tells the brain to slow down. Glutamate tells the brain to speed up. A healthy brain is found in the balance," explained Eisenstat.
"In some ways we have figured out how to turn on GABA. And if, going back to these diseases, we have a better idea of how to balance glutamate and GABA, we could potentially come up with new therapies for treating seizures and maybe even some children with autism."
He said that while that may sound like a lot of hand waving, 25 percent of children with autism have a seizure disorder.
"That's not well understood. It's not all because of GABA, that would be an oversimplification, but this hypothesis is worth further testing," he said.
Eisenstat believes the findings have revealed a new pathway scientists could use to treat developmental brain disorders by getting to the root cause of problem. He hopes other researchers now take up the work and build upon it.
"I think we've unraveled a pathway to begin to take something that wasn't druggable and make it druggable," said Eisenstat. "I think in some ways, it's coming up with smarter therapy."
Source: Eurekalert
Multivitamins During Pregnancy Can Lower Risk of Autism
Supplementing multivitamins during pregnancy influences brain development and could reduce risk of impairment in intelligence due to autism.
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 ConvulsionsSeizure or a convulsion is a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. If there are two or more unprovoked seizures at an interval of at least 24 hours, it is referred to as epilepsy. | Advertisement
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