Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 17, 2025 3 days, 14 hours, 31 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers from Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, the Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism at Wuhan University, and the Sino-Italian Ascula Brain Science Joint Laboratory have been investigating the role of inhibitor of growth (ING) proteins in neurological health. These proteins are well-known for their involvement in tumor suppression, but recent studies reveal they may also play a key role in brain development, neuron function, and the onset of neurological diseases.
ING Proteins and Their Role in Neurological Disorders
ING proteins interact with epigenetic regulators, which control gene activity without changing the DNA sequence itself. This process affects how genes are turned on or off, influencing brain cell growth, learning, memory, and even conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism. This
Medical News report explores the latest findings on how these proteins impact neurological disorders.
ING Proteins and Brain Development
Neurons - the cells that make up the brain and nervous system - require precise genetic regulation during development. ING proteins play a role in this by modifying chromatin, a structure that helps package DNA into cells. Through interactions with histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), ING proteins influence whether genes are switched on or off, which affects neuron differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and overall brain function.
Research has shown that ING proteins regulate essential genes that guide neuronal differentiation. ING1 and ING5, for example, recruit chromatin-modifying complexes that help determine whether a stem cell will develop into a neuron or another type of brain cell. When these proteins do not function properly, it can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders.
How ING Proteins Affect Neurological Disorders
Recent studies highlight the involvement of ING proteins in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In patients with ASD, for example, researchers found that HDAC inhibitors - which interact with ING proteins - could alleviate social deficits and repetitive behaviors. This suggests that these proteins play a role in the neurological mechanisms underlying ASD.
Moreover, ING proteins have been linked to intellectual disabilities. Genetic mutations in the ING2 protein have been found in individuals with intellectual disabilities, language impairments, and global developmental delays. This suggests that ING proteins contribute to proper brain formation and cognitive function, making them a key area of interest for future treatments.
ING Proteins and Neurodegenerative Diseases
In addition to developmental disorders, ING proteins are also implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The proteins regulate genes involved in neuron survival, stress response, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). For instance, ING5 has been found to suppr
ess tumor growth in brain cancer cells by halting the cell cycle, a process that may also influence neuron survival in degenerative conditions.
Additionally, ING1 interacts with proteins that regulate mitochondrial function - a crucial factor in preventing cell damage in neurodegenerative diseases. In conditions such as stroke and ischemic injury, ING proteins may play a protective role by enhancing neuronal survival and regulating the stress response in brain cells.
The Future of ING Protein Research
Despite these promising findings, much remains unknown about the full extent of ING proteins' roles in the brain. Researchers aim to explore whether these proteins can be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis of neurological disorders or even as therapeutic targets for new treatments.
Some scientists are investigating how ING proteins interact with non-coding RNAs, molecules that help regulate gene expression without producing proteins. These interactions could open new avenues for understanding and treating psychiatric disorders such as PTSD.
Conclusion
The growing body of research on ING proteins suggests that these molecules are more than just tumor suppressors—they are crucial regulators of brain function and development. Their ability to control gene activity through epigenetic modifications positions them as potential therapeutic targets for both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. However, further studies are necessary to fully understand their mechanisms and therapeutic potential. By continuing to investigate these proteins, scientists hope to develop better treatments for conditions ranging from autism to Alzheimer’s disease.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Biomolecules.
https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/15/2/281
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