A new target for anxiety disorders

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A new target for anxiety disorders

 

"Neurons are the building blocks of the brain and the nervous system that are responsible for sending and receiving signals that control the brain and body functions. Neighboring neurons communicate through synapses, which act like bridges that allow the passage of signals between them.

This process is essential for proper brain functions such as learning, memory and cognition. Defects in synapses or their components can disrupt communication between neurons, and lead to various brain disorders.

By generating mice with specific genetic mutations that disrupt the TrkC-PTPσ complex, Takahashi's team uncovered the unique functions of this complex. They demonstrated that this complex regulates the phosphorylation of many proteins involved in synapse structure and organization.

High-resolution imaging of the mutant mice brains revealed abnormal synapse organization, and further study of their signaling properties showed an increase in inactive synapses with defects in signal transmission. Observing the behavior of the mutant mice, the scientists saw that they exhibited elevated levels of anxiety, especially enhanced avoidance in unfamiliar conditions, and impaired social behaviors."