Authors: Frédéric Gambino, Malik Khelfaoui, Bernard Poulain, Thierry Bienvenu, Jamel Chelly, Yann Humeau
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011399
Abstract Summary
Researchers found that Mecp2, the protein deficient in Rett syndrome, plays a crucial role in maintaining synapses in the amygdala’s emotional learning circuits. In mice lacking Mecp2, normal synaptic maturation was exaggerated, leading to excessive elimination of cortical connections. Surprisingly, learning-related plasticity remained intact, suggesting Rett syndrome symptoms may stem from faulty synapse maintenance rather than impaired learning mechanisms.
Why Brain? 🧠
Study reveals Rett syndrome disrupts normal maturation of brain circuits controlling emotion and anxiety, suggesting the disorder affects synaptic maintenance rather than learning ability itself.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
