In a significant breakthrough that could pave the way for more effective treatments for anxiety disorders, scientists at Universite de Montreal and the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) have identified a specific protein complex that plays critical roles in the connectivity of brain cells and various cognitive behaviors.
The findings from the global research hold significant relevance in the Indian context where anxiety disorders are increasingly recognised as a major public health concern amidst limited access to mental healthcare.
Led by researcher Hideto Takahashi, the study published in The EMBO Journal involved collaboration with teams from York University and Tokushima University in Japan. The findings focussed on a specific protein complex that plays critical roles in the connectivity of brain cells and various cognitive behaviors.
Synapses, the junctions between neurons, are essential for the transmission of signals in the brain. They facilitate communication between neurons, allowing for complex functions such as learning, memory, and emotional regulation, said the study.
At the same time, excitatory synapses, in particular, activate signal transmission and are crucial for many brain activities. However, defects in these synapses are linked to several mental illnesses, yet the precise mechanisms that govern their organization and function have been poorly understood until now.
Takahashi’s team previously identified a unique protein complex that exists only in excitatory synapses, with genes associated with anxiety disorders and autism. In the current study they demonstrated that this protein complex is vital for regulating both the structural and functional maturation of excitatory synapses.
It does this by modulating phosphorylation—a biochemical modification of proteins that can alter their function—of various synaptic proteins, said the study.
When the researchers disrupted this protein complex in their experiments, they observed specific behavioral changes in mice, indicating that the proper functioning of this complex is crucial for normal behavior. High-resolution imaging of the brains of these mutant mice revealed disorganized synapses, suggesting a failure in proper synaptic structure. Further investigations showed an increase in inactive synapses and significant impairments in signal transmission.
Behaviorally, the mutant mice exhibited increased levels of anxiety, particularly in unfamiliar environments, as well as deficits in social interactions. These findings indicate that disruptions in synaptic organization and function may contribute to anxiety and other behavioral issues.
By understanding how specific protein complexes regulate synaptic function, scientists may be able to develop targeted therapies aimed at restoring healthy synaptic connections and improving mental health outcomes.
According to various studies, anxiety disorders are prevalent among various demographics in India, affecting both urban and rural populations. Around 14% to 30% of the population, particularly young people including students report high levels of anxiety related to academic pressure, job prospects, and social expectations in India.
