Control of neuronal excitation-inhibition balance by BMP-SMAD1 signalling. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38632412/)

These scientists wanted to understand how the brain maintains a balance between being active and being calm. They studied how different types of brain cells work together to keep this balance. They found that when there is too much activity in the brain, a special protein called BMP2 becomes more active. This protein sends a message to a specific type of brain cell called parvalbumin-expressing interneurons, telling them to do their job. These brain cells help control the activity of other cells in the brain.

The scientists discovered that when this communication between the protein BMP2 and the brain cells is disrupted, it can lead to problems in the brain's balance. This imbalance can cause seizures, which are like electrical storms in the brain. By understanding how these brain cells communicate and work together, the scientists hope to find ways to help people with brain disorders.

Okur Z., Schlauri N., Bitsikas V., Panopoulou M., Ortiz R., Schwaiger M., Karmakar K., Schreiner D., Scheiffele P. Control of neuronal excitation-inhibition balance by BMP-SMAD1 signalling. Nature. 2024 May;629(8011):402-409. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07317-z. Epub 2024 Apr 17.