Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered the crucial role of neuronal networks in maintaining a balance between neural excitation and inhibition in the brain. The study, published in the journal Nature, focused on how the brain manages to be highly sensitive without becoming over-activated, which can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders like epilepsy. By studying mouse models, researchers found that the key to stable brain function lies in maintaining this balance in the neocortex, a brain area responsible for perception and complex functions like learning.
The brain consists of billions of interconnected nerve cells that process sensory stimuli through excitatory and inhibitory neurons. While excitatory neurons pass on the input signals, inhibitory neurons control the timing and intensity of the information flow, ensuring that the nervous system responds appropriately to stimuli. When neurons detect an elevated network activity, they release a protein called BMP2, which signals inhibitory neurons to form new synapses, increasing their impact and dampening network activity. This feedback mechanism helps in tuning the sensitivity of neuronal networks and prevents over-activation and excessive responses to stimuli, thus potentially preventing epileptic seizures.
The researchers found that switching off the BMP2-induced genetic program in inhibitory neurons triggers epileptic seizures in older mice, indicating that this process is involved in long-term adaptations of cortical networks. The BMP2 signaling pathway, known for its role in early brain development and nerve cell differentiation, is repurposed in stabilizing neuronal circuits in the adult brain. This understanding at the molecular level of how neural networks balance excitation and inhibition opens up new avenues for treating epilepsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
By targeting interventions in the BMP2 signaling pathway, researchers hope to fine-tune and re-adjust brain sensitivity, offering new approaches to treatment. This discovery not only sheds light on the mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental disorders like epilepsy but also highlights the importance of maintaining a balance in brain function to ensure stable processing of sensory stimuli. The research paves the way for potential therapeutic strategies that could help improve brain plasticity in adulthood, which is crucial for learning and memory. Overall, this study contributes to expanding the repertoire of options for treating neurodevelopmental disorders and offers insights into how the brain processes and responds to stimuli.
