What are the molecular mechanisms involved in the brain of adolescents because of social media use?5 answersAdolescents' brains exhibit heightened sensitivity to social rewards and punishments due to social media use, impacting neural development. Research shows that constant social media checking during early adolescence can alter the brain's response to potential social rewards and punishments. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have revealed that peer feedback on social media platforms activates brain regions associated with reward processing, social cognition, and visual attention. Negative feedback particularly triggers increased activity in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), and anterior insula, reflecting responses to social rejection. These findings suggest that adolescents' neural responses to social media interactions are complex and involve regions crucial for emotional processing, social cognition, and reward evaluation.
What role does protein play in brain development and function?5 answersProtein plays a crucial role in brain development and function. Protein malnutrition can lead to abnormal brain development, resulting in behavioral consequences. It reduces brain size, dendritic arborization, and cell maturation. Perinatal low protein diet affects neurotransmitters and oxidative status of the brain, leading to long-lasting social and behavioral disabilities. Protein Phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) enzymes, which regulate cellular signaling and physiology, including brain function and development, are affected by gene mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disability. Par3, Par6, and aPKC proteins, collectively known as "Par complexes," are essential for proper neural development and maintenance. They play versatile roles in neurodevelopment, including neuroepithelial polarity, neurogenesis, neuronal migration, neurite differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and memory. Par complexes are also implicated in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the role of protein in brain development and function is crucial for advancing neuroscience.
What is the role of GADPH in the nucleus?4 answersGlyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH) plays a role in the regulation of the enzyme through conformational changes associated with pyridine-nucleotide binding.
What is the role of GABRA6 in seizures?5 answersGABRA6 plays a critical role in the development of epilepsy and seizures. Polymorphisms in the GABRA6 gene have been found to be significantly associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) in different populations, including the Pakistani and Indian populations. These polymorphisms, such as rs3219151 T>C, have been shown to confer a high risk for epilepsy susceptibility. The GABRA6 gene encodes the alpha-6 subunit of the GABA(A) receptor, which is involved in inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. Mutations in the GABRA6 gene can lead to alterations in GABAergic inhibition, resulting in neuronal disinhibition and increased susceptibility to seizures. Therefore, GABRA6 is an important gene involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and seizures, and understanding its role can provide insights into the development of new therapeutic strategies for epilepsy.
What are the mechanisms of GBA neuronal communications?5 answersMutations in the GBA gene can lead to loss of GCase activity and lysosomal dysfunction, impairing alpha-synuclein metabolism. GBA-associated Parkinson's disease (PD) is clinically similar to sporadic PD but with earlier age at onset, more frequent cognitive impairment, and more rapid progression. GCase deficiency can cause dysfunction of the autophagic-lysosomal pathway, leading to the accumulation of alpha-synuclein and aberrant lipid metabolism. Certain GBA mutations result in misfolded GCase, activating stress responses and contributing to neurodegeneration. GCase deficiency is also associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation, which are implicated in PD pathogenesis. In summary, the mechanisms of GBA neuronal communications involve impaired alpha-synuclein metabolism, autophagic-lysosomal dysfunction, aberrant lipid metabolism, stress responses, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation.
What is the role of GABA in the brain?5 answersGABA plays a crucial role in signal transduction and functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that controls neuronal excitability and modulates the activity of neuronal ensembles. GABA is synthesized from glutamic acid via the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and is distributed throughout the brain, participating in 40% of inhibitory synapses. It exerts its inhibitory effect through GABAA and GABAB receptors, which have different pharmacological and molecular characteristics. GABA is involved in various physiological processes, including sleep cycle regulation and prevention of seizures. In the islet cells of the pancreas, GABA is produced at high levels and influences the activity of multiple cell types through GABAA and GABAB receptors. GABA depletion in the islet cells is associated with diabetes pathogenesis and dysfunction of alpha, beta, and delta cells. GABA also interacts with the renin-angiotensin system in the brain regions involved in blood pressure control. Overall, GABA has diverse roles in the brain, including neurotransmission, modulation of neuronal activity, and involvement in various physiological processes and diseases.