Health

Breakthrough Discovery: How a Key Protein Powers Our Brain's Connections

2025-07-02

Author: Wei Ling

In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists have identified the crucial role a specific protein plays in the development and maintenance of vital connections in the brain, shedding light on neurological issues linked to a rare muscular dystrophy called dystroglycanopathy.

Conducted by researchers from Oregon Health & Science University and unveiled in *Communications Biology*, the study emphasizes the significance of the protein Dystroglycan. This protein is pivotal for establishing and sustaining the connections between nerve cells, particularly in the cerebellum—the brain's hub for coordinating movement and motor learning.

Individuals suffering from dystroglycanopathy face genetic mutations that impact not just their muscles but also their brain function. This rare form of congenital muscular dystrophy manifests at birth or early infancy.

Unveiling the Neurological Aspect of Dystroglycan