A groundbreaking study conducted by US researchers has revealed striking similarities in genetic changes occurring in two distinct types of brain cells, shedding light on potential contributors to cognitive impairment in both schizophrenia and aging.
The research, led by genomic neurobiologist Steve McCarroll from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, examined gene expression patterns in over a million brain cells obtained post-mortem from 191 donors. The study uncovered a significant reduction in the expression of specific genes in neurons and supporting cells known as astrocytes among individuals with schizophrenia and older adults.
Traditionally, scientific inquiry has focused on understanding the gene expression of individual cell types in isolation. However, this study uncovered a remarkable coordination between neurons and astrocytes, highlighting the intricate relationship between these cell types in the brain.
The synchronized changes identified by the researchers, termed the Synaptic Neuron and Astrocyte Program (SNAP), center around ‘communication hubs’ called synapses. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding and potentially treating cognitive decline associated with aging and schizophrenia.
The study’s co-senior author, neuroscientist Sabina Berretta, emphasized the need for a large sample size to detect the coordination between astrocytes and neurons in schizophrenia and aging. The researchers analyzed brain tissue samples from individuals with and without schizophrenia across a wide age range, focusing on the prefrontal cortex, a region crucial for complex cognitive processes.
The findings revealed that changes in gene activity related to synapses in neurons prompted corresponding alterations in astrocytes, indicating a coordinated response. Interestingly, this coordination was observed not only when gene expression increased but also when it decreased.
Previous research has shown that astrocytes play a critical role in regulating genes responsible for synaptic function, with reduced cholesterol production linked to cognitive decline. The discovery of SNAP variation in healthy individuals, as well as its significant decrease in many older adults, suggests its involvement in cognitive aging processes.
The study’s implications extend beyond schizophrenia, with potential relevance to other neurological conditions. By identifying factors or therapies that enhance SNAP, researchers aim to alleviate cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia patients and promote cognitive function in aging populations.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to investigate SNAP in additional brain regions and explore its implications for other neurological disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression. This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for understanding the complex interplay between genetics, brain function, and cognitive health.
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