Gene-editing tool can erase proteins at neuronal junctions
CRISPR, the genetic tool that cuts and pastes DNA, can eliminate specific proteins at the points of connection between neurons. The method, described 3 September in Neuron, could help researchers determine the role of those proteins in brain signaling.
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/image-archive/images/images-2014/toolbox2014/20141001toolboxcrisprsynapse.jpg)
Julia Yellow
The genetic tool CRISPR, which cutsand pastes DNA, can eliminate specific proteins at the points of connection between neurons. The method, described 3 September in Neuron, could help researchers determine the role of those proteins in brain signaling1.
Neuronal junctions, or synapses, host hundreds of thousands of individual proteins involved in sending and receiving messages. Mounting evidence suggests that synapses play a role in autism. For example, the brains of children with autism do not prune unnecessary connections, as the brains of typically developing children do. Researchers have also linked defects in synaptic proteins to autism and other neurological disorders.
Because synapses are so complex, studying the function of specific proteins there has proved challenging. The new study suggests CRISPR can quickly quash an individual protein’s expression by snipping out select sections of DNA.
CRISPR works by slicing through both strands of DNA at a specified location. When cells try to rejoin the strands, they find the repair to be imperfect and shut down the gene’s expression.
In the study, the researchers used CRISPR to eliminate the synaptic proteins GluN1 and GluA2. These proteins help form receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate, which triggers excitatory electrical signals in neurons.
DNA sequencing revealed that CRISPR successfully blocked the transcription of the genes in cultured neurons. Within 12 days, the researchers were unable to detect the proteins.
CRISPR appears to be an effective alternative to other gene-manipulating techniques, which have limitations. Genetically engineered mice can take several generations to show the desired mutation in the correct tissues, and using RNA to silence genes may not eliminate the protein. CRISPR avoids these pitfalls and may prove to be a useful tool for studying synapses, the researchers say.
References:
1. Incontro S. et al. Neuron 83, 1051-1057 (2014) PubMed
Recommended reading
![Capitol building](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/capitolhill-1200-1024x692.webp)
In updated U.S. autism bill, Congress calls for funding boost, expanded scope
![Research image of astrocytes and microglia in mouse brains.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1200-spotted-20240903-1024x683.webp)
X-chromosome genes; neurobiology of infant crying; MCHAT in preemies
![Illustration of a red pencil with a white eraser that is being used against a white sheet of paper.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/correction-1200-1024x692.webp)
Task swap prompts data do-over for autism auditory perception study
Explore more from The Transmitter
![](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200_coughingmice-1024x720.webp)
Cell population in brainstem coordinates cough, new study shows
![Illustration of ketamine blocking open ion channels in active NMDA receptors, quieting the cells and disrupting downstream signaling involved in depression.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1200-ketamine-receptor-transmitter-neuroscience-1024x683.webp)
Ketamine targets lateral habenula, setting off cascade of antidepressant effects
![Computer-generated illustration of a pencil.](https://www.thetransmitter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/APpencil-1200-1024x692.webp)