Scientists from the University of Miguel Hernandez (Spain), as part of a scientific team, discovered that the Cux2 protein is able to change fold formation patterns in the cerebral cortex. Research results published In the journal Science Advances (SciAdv).
Scientists announced that there are thousands of genes expressed in the cerebral cortex of the embryo during its development. However, their activities are not observed in all areas of the brain and do not occur simultaneously. Areas of the cerebral cortex that grow due to specific gene patterns protrude and form ridges, while areas with silent gene expression remain “flat.” This is how folds and grooves are formed.
In experiments on mice, scientists found that the epigenetic structure of cells in the cerebral cortex is determined by specific epigenetic marks (molecular tools that allow long-term changes in gene activity) and the activity of the Cux2 protein.
Scientists focused on the H3K27ac epigenetic mark. It is generally accepted that this indicator predicts gene expression with the highest accuracy. The researchers found that gene expression did not occur in many brain regions where H3K27ac was found. Scientists have also noted contrasting situations in which genes in the brain are expressed without an epigenetic mark.
Further studies showed that the Cux2 protein was able to change the initially established folding pattern. It plays a role in the differentiation of neurons, the growth of dendrites (neural processes) and the formation of neural circuits in general. Cux2 is the key factor in transforming the epigenetic landscape to introduce changes that lead to the expression of thousands of genes performing various functions.
Scientists noted that folding is a feature of the human brain and, if defective, contributes to the development of mental disabilities. The researchers hope that their discovery will further provide the basis for the development of methods to influence convolution formation. Such tools can be used to prevent cognitive and intellectual pathologies.
Previously named Substances whose deficiency leads to a decrease in cognitive abilities.
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Source: Gazeta
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