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Mental Proteins
05 September 2016

Mental Proteins

Intellectual disabilities are neurodevelopmental disorders identified by significantly impaired mental ability. Recently, researchers have found a gene responsible for a newly defined intellectual disability syndrome. Typically, we have two copies of the gene BCL11A that allow our brain cells to develop normally. However, this study revealed that if one copy of a person’s BCL11A is mutated, they could develop intellectual disability syndrome. Pictured are microscope images showing how mutations in the BCL11A gene can cause changes in where its protein product is present in a cell – normally it’s found in the cytoplasm (seen as bright specks in the top row). Mutated BCL11A has altered distribution (bottom row) and an adverse effect on other genes that are vital for brain development. Further investigation of this crucial network of genes will provide better insight into neurodevelopmental disorders, improving our understanding of intellectual disabilities.

Written by Katie Panteli

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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