SynGAP regulates synaptic plasticity and cognition independently of its catalytic activity. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38422154/)

These scientists wanted to understand how a protein called SynGAP affects the brain. They knew that mutations in the gene that makes SynGAP can lead to problems with learning, memory, and behavior in humans. To study this, they used mice that had a similar mutation in their SynGAP gene.

The scientists found that when they made changes to a specific part of the SynGAP protein, it did not affect the ability of the brain cells to change and learn new things. Instead, they discovered that SynGAP competes with other molecules in the brain to help control how strong the connections between brain cells are.

This discovery is important because it gives us new ideas for how to develop treatments for people with similar genetic mutations that cause learning and behavior problems. By understanding how SynGAP works in the brain, scientists can work towards creating therapies to help people with these conditions.

Araki Y., Rajkovich KE., Gerber EE., Gamache TR., Johnson RC., Tran THN., Liu B., Zhu Q., Hong I., Kirkwood A., Huganir R. SynGAP regulates synaptic plasticity and cognition independently of its catalytic activity. Science. 2024 Mar;383(6686):eadk1291. doi: 10.1126/science.adk1291. Epub 2024 Mar 1.