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Do you know what secret effects Reelin has on the adult brain?
Reelin, a large secreted extracellular matrix glycoprotein encoded by the RELN gene, regulates neuronal migration and positioning processes in the developing brain, by controlling cell-cell interactions. In addition to its important role in early development, Reelin continues to play a role in the adult brain. It modulates synaptic plasticity by enhancing the induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP). In addition, Reelin stimulates the development of dendrites and dendritic spines in the hippocampus and regulates the ongoing migration of neuroblasts arising from adult neurogenic regions, including the subventricular zone and subgranular zone.
Reelin plays a decisive role in neuronal development in early childhood and continues to influence neuronal health and function in adulthood.
Reelin is not only found in the brain, but is also found in other sites such as the liver, thyroid, adrenal glands, fallopian tubes and breast glands, and is found in relatively low levels in various anatomical regions. Several studies have suggested that Reelin may be involved in the pathogenesis of various brain diseases, with the extent of its manifestations being significantly reduced in schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder. However, the reason for this observation remains unclear, as some studies have shown that The drug itself affects Reelin expression.
Reelin's name comes from the unusual "wobbly gait" of mice known as "reeler" mice. Such mice were later found to lack this brain protein and were homozygous for mutations in the RELN gene. Loss of Reelin results in a neurodevelopmental abnormality called gyriacephaly, whose main phenotype is related to the failure of neuronal positioning in the brain's central nervous system.
Reelin deficiency will prevent newly generated neurons from being transported smoothly to their final location, leading to structural problems.
Discovery and research progress
Scientists have conducted an in-depth study of the development of the central nervous system using mutant mice. The first useful spontaneous mutation was discovered at the University of Edinburgh in 1951 by a group of scientists interested in locomotor behavior, in mice that showed difficulty moving. As the historical pathology progressed, scientists found that the cerebellum of reeler mice was significantly shrunk, and the normal laminar organization of multiple brain regions was disrupted. In 1994, a new reeler gene allele was obtained through insertional mutation, which provided the first molecular marker for locating the RELN gene to chromosome 7q22 and subsequent cloning.
Reelin has also been linked to a variety of neurodevelopmental and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, temporal lobe epilepsy and autism. The scientific community continues to explore the importance of Reelin to brain health. From the perspective of neurodevelopment, Reelin not only participates in the correct positioning of neurons, but also affects the growth and development of neurites, which is of great significance in the naming process.
Performance and secretion in different tissues
Reelin’s manifestations in different organizations have also attracted the attention of scholars. Research shows that Reelin is not only active in nervous tissue, but also found in the liver, retina and tooth development, and its performance is enhanced after tissue damage. This may mean that Reelin plays some supporting role in the biological process of injury repair.
The presence of Reelin in the adult brain is not only a relic of development, but may also be necessary to maintain neural activity.
The function and mechanism of Reelin
The main function of Reelin is to regulate corticogenesis and nerve cell positioning during pregnancy, and it still plays a significant role in adulthood. The roles of this protein can be divided into different functional categories based on the time and location of expression. During development, Reelin promotes the differentiation of precursor cells into radial glia and affects their fiber directionality. As development proceeds, the expression pattern of Reelin shows strong temporal sensitivity, which plays a crucial role in the formation of neurons and their synapses.
In adulthood, Reelin is extremely important for nerve growth and the continued renewal of adult neurons. Especially in the two main neurogenic areas of the brain - the subventricular zone and the granular layer, Reelin ensures the correct hiding of neurons and the maintenance of top-level structures. The latest research shows that in addition to being involved in basic structural positioning, Reelin may also have regulatory functions in the memory and learning process.
Conclusion
Reelin's diversity and complexity make it a focus of neuroscience research. As a protein with key developmental roles, it not only affects the development and positioning of neurons but is also involved in regulating learning and memory through neuroplasticity in the adult brain. As research deepens, can we unravel the specific mechanisms of Reelin in these complex processes and use this knowledge to promote neurological health and treatment?
