New Research Uncovers Early Genetic Roots of Neurological Disorders, Including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Groundbreaking research has revealed that genes implicated in a range of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s and parkinson’s disease, are active from the earliest stages of fetal brain advancement. This revelation challenges previous assumptions that focused on gene activity in adult brains,suggesting that the origins of these debilitating diseases may lie in the foundational processes of brain formation.
Study Findings
The study’s results indicate that many of the genes associated with neurological disorders are already functioning during the initial phases of fetal growth. These genes operate within stem cells, the essential building blocks of the brain, guiding the development of neurons and their supporting structures. While scientific inquiry into the genetics of mental illness has traditionally concentrated on adults, this research concludes that a notable number of these genes are active during the critical period of fetal brain formation. Disruptions during this early stage can impact brain growth and potentially contribute to the development of mental disorders later in life.
For conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the genes responsible for early brain development are identified as being active when neurons begin to function. Dr. Koel Mato Blanco, a researcher at the del Mar Hospital Research institute, commented on the broad scope of the study, stating, “We cover a wide range of diseases that may affect the brain, and we study the behavior of the genes responsible for these conditions in neurons.” He further emphasized the significance of this work, noting that it “determines the time periods and types of cells in which the effect of these genes is more important, which indicates how long and where the function of these genes should be targeted.”
dr. Blanco highlighted the value of this facts, explaining that it is indeed “useful for understanding the origin of diseases that affect the cerebral cortex, that is, how to translate genetic changes into these diseases.” By elucidating these mechanisms and the specific role of each gene in different diseases, this research paves the way for the development of targeted treatments, opening new avenues for genetic therapy and personalized medicine.
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