New Study Unveils Genetic Link Between Autism, Epilepsy
California,19 Jan (ONA) ---A collaborative research has uncovered new insights into how the neuropilin-2 gene influences autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy.
The research is led by neuroscientist Viji Santhakumar from the University of California.
Published in Nature Molecular Psychiatry, the study explores how disruptions in this gene, which is critical for brain cell communication and circuit development, contribute to these co-occurring conditions. Santhakumar and her team developed a mouse model to examine the effects of deleting the neuropilin-2 gene in inhibitory neurons.
They discovered that the absence of neuropilin-2 impairs neuron migration, disrupting the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain.
This imbalance results in autism-like behaviors, social interaction deficits, and an increased risk of seizures.
The study highlights the potential for targeted therapies by focusing on specific phases of brain development.
---Ends/Thuraiya/AG