Cilia are used by cells to communicate and that they are involved in the development of the body's organs. DCDC2 is a gene associated with dyslexia in humans, it is involved in regulating the signalling of cilia in brain neurons scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered.
Research in mice showed that DCDC2 is involved in cell migration (when the nerve cells move to the right position in the brain during development as an embryo), the length of cilia and activating signalling systems.
In roundworm (caenorhabditis elegans), the human DCDC2 gene caused unusual neural problems but only to ciliated cells.
The exact connection between the cilia, the nerve problems and dyslexia are yet to be researched.
Cilia problems can be associated with polycystic kidney disease and Kartagener's syndrome, to diabetes, obesity and schizophrenia.
Summary from: http://esciencenews.com/articles/2011/06/20/unexpected.function.dyslexia.gene
This could lead to developments in dyslexia treatments, however, potential treatment/research could be controversial as it may involve gene therapy and interventions with embryos.
06 July 2011
05 July 2011
Nerve Disease Genes- GARS
Scripps Research Scientists have studied the GARS gene in relation to Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease type 2D ( which causes progressive weakness and wasting of muscles in the feet, legs, hands, and forearms by striking down the nerves that reach down into these muscles).
The disease can affect the production of glycyl-tRNA synthase, an enzyme important for protein production. However, sometimes the disease does not affect the enzyme's function so the researches looked for a common consequence of GARS mutations.
Using X-ray crystallography and small angle X-ray scattering (in solution) the scientists were able to see a common area of the GlyRS protein which opens creating a slightly different structure which other proteins can bind to. Any proteins which bind to the area could be toxic to nerve cells.
Causing a structural opening, can explain why it is an autosomal dominant gene.
Summary from: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-07/sri-srs070111.php
Research into chemicals which could block the opening could help stop the symptoms of the disease. Also, other diseases could have a similar feature and so it could hold promise in those areas too such as ALS and the SOD1 gene.
The disease can affect the production of glycyl-tRNA synthase, an enzyme important for protein production. However, sometimes the disease does not affect the enzyme's function so the researches looked for a common consequence of GARS mutations.
Using X-ray crystallography and small angle X-ray scattering (in solution) the scientists were able to see a common area of the GlyRS protein which opens creating a slightly different structure which other proteins can bind to. Any proteins which bind to the area could be toxic to nerve cells.
Causing a structural opening, can explain why it is an autosomal dominant gene.
Summary from: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-07/sri-srs070111.php
Research into chemicals which could block the opening could help stop the symptoms of the disease. Also, other diseases could have a similar feature and so it could hold promise in those areas too such as ALS and the SOD1 gene.
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