Identification of the action mechanism of a protein impacting neural circuit development

(Canadian Association for Neuroscience) Research by Dr. Shernaz Bamji at the University of British Columbia uncovers the action mechanism of an enzyme called DHHC9 in normal development and function of neural networks in the brain. Mutations in DHHC9 have been identified in patients suffering from X-linked Intellectual Disability. Dr. Bamji's work shows DHHC9 plays a vital role in promoting the growth and branching of neurons and in maintaining the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signa...