HMB200H1 Study Guide - Final Guide: Mecp2, Valproate, Autism
Document Summary
Shank protein: scaffolding protein of postsynaptic neuron, connecting to glutamate receptors. Demonstrate autistic-like behaviours: reduced time in open arm more anxiety, increased grooming indicative of obsessive behaviour (fixation in autism, antisocial prefer to be alone. Mutations cause rett syndrome, asd, and other cognitive & developmental disorders. Loss of mecp2 in gaba neurons reduced inhibitory signalling: reduces presynaptic gaba neurotransmitter release. Provides a model organism, which we can (more) ethically manipulate. Suggests that asd is caused by an imbalance of excitation or inhibition, in either direction. Most likely caused by a range of factors, differing between different cases. Potent teratogen: leads to brainstem abnormalities common in asd, temporal development abnormalities. Inducing vpa at the correct time induce autistic behaviours. Rats freeze to the conditioning stimulus still. Shows the abnormal nature of anxiety & fear in these rats. Could be a major factor in shaping behaviour in autism. Enhanced synapses in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala.
