ADGRG1 : adhesion G protein-coupled receptor G1
Discovering the Role of ADGRG1: A Key Player in Brain Development and Beyond
Description
The ADGRG1 gene, previously known as GPR56, holds a critical role in shaping the intricate machinery of our brain. It encodes the ADGRG1 protein, an essential element for the harmonious growth and migration of neurons during fetal development. This symphony of neuronal movement is crucial for the formation of the cerebral cortex, the brain‘s outermost layer responsible for a vast repertoire of cognitive functions, from sensation and voluntary movement to the complexities of thought, planning, and memory.
Associated Diseases
Perturbations in the ADGRG1 gene have been implicated in a spectrum of developmental disorders affecting the brain, including:
- Microcephaly: A condition characterized by an abnormally small head circumference and impaired brain growth.
- Lissencephaly: A malformation where the cerebral cortex lacks its characteristic folds and grooves, resulting in a smooth brain surface.
- Schizophrenia: A complex psychiatric disorder involving alterations in brain structure and function.
Did you Know ?
Studies have revealed a striking association between variations in the ADGRG1 gene and an increased risk of schizophrenia. One particular genetic variant has been found to increase the likelihood of developing the disorder by approximately 15%.