Monday, February 27, 2006
Potassium Mutant
A mutant variant of a calcium channel gene, KCNC3, is linked to the neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia. The channel in question is involved in fast transmission, including in the substantia nigra and the hippocampus, where they are involved in learning, memory, and motor control.
Along with an earlier study, which found a different mutation of KCNC3 to be implicated in child-onset cerebellar degeneration and mental retardation, this research provides a very interesting new base for research into neurodegenerative disorders and potentially others as well.
Along with an earlier study, which found a different mutation of KCNC3 to be implicated in child-onset cerebellar degeneration and mental retardation, this research provides a very interesting new base for research into neurodegenerative disorders and potentially others as well.
