2023-11-01 07:00:00
THE ESSENTIAL
The Kv3.1 and MAP6 proteins bind to each other under normal conditions in several regions of the brain. In experiments on mice, researchers discovered that if this connection is not made well, the rodents show symptoms of schizophrenia. This discovery might lead to new treatments.
Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric illness characterized by a disturbed perception of reality, productive manifestations, such as delusions or hallucinations, and passive manifestations, such as social and relational isolation. Although it affects 600,000 people in France, it remains very mysterious.
Researchers at the Ohio State University College of Medicine have made an interesting discovery regarding the mechanisms of schizophrenia. They noticed that two proteins – which bind to each other in the brain and whose connection plays a role in memory, anxiety regulation and movement – lead to symptoms of schizophrenia when they do not are not well linked to each other.
Schizophrenia: the connection of two proteins involved
By studying the connection between the MAP6 and Kv3.1 proteins found in the brain, the researchers found that mice that lacked the genes for either protein showed similar behavioral changes. Additionally, they discovered that disrupting the connection between these two proteins impacted the rodents’ behavior.
“When this connection does not occur as it should, they found that behavior can be negatively affected – in mice, disruption of the ability of proteins to interact, increased hyperactivity, reduced avoidance of risks and memory impairment. Although delusions and hallucinations are hallmark symptoms of schizophrenia, the illness also encompasses additional symptoms, including problems with movement and memory.specifies the press release.
When proteins don’t bind properly, there isn’t enough Kv3.1 available to maintain this control function in interneurons, which are cells specialized in transmitting electrical signals in the brain. This imbalance between neuronal inhibition and excitation in affected brain regions may contribute to behavioral symptoms.
“These two proteins are apparently unrelated, and our study provided a link between them that has not been previously recognized“, says lead author Chen Gu, associate professor of biological chemistry and pharmacology at the Ohio State University College of Medicine in a communiqué.
Schizophrenia: an avenue for new treatments
“Our study further provides a link between MAP6 dysfunction and interneuron signal dysfunction, and we now know that there are two interacting proteins and one might modify the other“, explains lead author Chen Gu. “This opens potential new directions for treatment strategies.“
Thanks to these discoveries on the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia, researchers will be able to develop more targeted therapies that are better adapted to the needs of patients.
The study was recently published in the journal Molecular PsychiatryOctober 13, 2023.
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