An investigation led by the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) has discovered one more of the genes involved in the alteration of neuronal development that causes schizophrenia. It is the Erbb4 gene, whose function is to slow down the synaptic activity of the brain to avoid overstimulation that gives rise to this cognitive deficit characterized by delusions, hallucinations and inconsistencies in speech.
According to this study, the Erbb4 gene encodes a receptor from the protein tyrosine kinase family and regulates synaptic activity in the brain, specifically the inhibition processes that guarantee a stable number of connections between neurons. Through experimentation with mice, the scientists found that the absence of this gene causes a disproportionate synaptic activity and an excessive excitation of our neurons , and therefore greatly alters our way of perceiving reality.
Although molecular genetics has already documented different genes that cause neurodevelopmental dysfunctions, this group of researchers has contributed a new grain of sand in the realization of all the factors involved in the development of the disease.
