New research has revealed the complex relationship between cell proteins and their impact on neurons in neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study conducted by the University of Exeter and published in Royal Society Open Biology has identified the significant role of the protein Contactin-4 (encoded by the gene CNTN4) in shaping neurons. The researchers focused on CNTN4 due to its involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders and their findings shed light on the intricate mechanisms underlying these conditions.It was previously known that CNTN4 played a role in autism, but its specific functions were not well understood. The research team delved into the workings of CNTN4 within the brain, particularly its interactions with proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
For the first time, the scientists examined mice with the CNTN4 gene removed in the cortex, which is responsible for important brain functions like memory and reasoning. They discovered that neurons in the cortex developed differently without the CNTN4 gene.
In a groundbreaking discovery, the researchers have shown the interaction between the CNTN4 and certain genes in human cells for the first time.The gene called APP is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have found that there is a mutually dependent relationship between APP and CNTN4, which is crucial for brain development and the healthy growth of neurons. CNTN4 plays a role in neural elongation in the frontal cortex of the brain, and its expression is regulated through its relationship with APP.
Through studies on genetically modified human cells, the team also discovered a complex interaction between CNTN4 and APP. When CNTN4 is knocked out, the levels of APP decrease, although not to zero. The scientists believe that APP may compensate for the loss of CNTN4, and vice versa.
The main researcher of the study, Dr. Rosemary Bamford from the University of Exeter Medical School, expressed astonishment at the discovery that CNTN4, a gene associated with developmental processes, also has an impact on factors related to Alzheimer’s disease. This connection between developmental and neurodegenerative pathways provides new and exciting insights into the wider implications of these proteins.
Dr. Asami Oguro-Ando, a senior author from the University of Exeter Medical School, stated that their group is eager to further examine the molecular mechanisms behind the interaction between CNTN4 and APP and investigate The next steps of our research will focus on understanding how the interaction between CNTN4 and APP affects neural activity. This understanding is crucial for gaining a comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
