Hyper-Maturity And Accelerated Aging In The Hippocampus Of Mouse Models Of Neuropsychiatric Disorders With Anxiety-Like Behavior
Researchers have uncovered a new brain abnormality linked to anxiety: excessive maturation and accelerated aging in a brain region called the hippocampus. The hippocampus is vital for memory and emotional regulation. This condition, termed “hyper-maturity,” involves the cells in this area developing and aging faster than normal.
Traditionally, many neuropsychiatric disorders have been associated with brain cells being underdeveloped or immature. However, this new research, based on analyzing extensive genetic data from numerous mouse models of conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, reveals a different picture for some cases.
The study found a strong correlation: mouse models exhibiting this brain region’s hyper-maturity also showed higher levels of anxiety-like behavior. This suggests that both under-development and over-development of brain cells can disrupt emotional regulation.
At the heart of this phenomenon are changes in the connections between brain cells, known as synaptic pathways. Genes important for these connections, like Camk2a and Grin2b, were found to be overly active in hyper-mature brains. This discovery offers fresh insights into the biological basis of these disorders and opens new doors for potential treatments, including strategies that could target brain aging processes.
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