Summary: Researchers have identified changes in brain connectivity before and after puberty that may explain why some children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome are more susceptible to autism and schizophrenia. Using brain imaging in both mice and humans, the study found that brain regions involved in social behavior were hyperconnected in childhood but under-connected after puberty.
These shifts appear linked to changes in synaptic structure, particularly a sharp loss of dendritic spines after puberty. Inhibiting a key protein, GSK3-beta, partially restored connectivity in mice, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Key Facts:
- Connectivity Flip: Brain regions in 22q deletion were overconnected before puberty, under-connected after.
- Synaptic Link: Post-pubertal drop in…