Full-length V5-tagged DCDC2 localizes to the primary cilium in neurons. Confocal images of rat primary hippocampal neurons transfected with DCDC2-V5 and labeled with a centriolar marker gamma-tubulin (A) or the neuronal ciliary marker Ac3 (D) and the V5 epitope (B and E). Nuclei were stained with DAPI (blue). The merged image shows colocalization of Ac3 and DCDC2-V5 in the primary cilium (F). Neurons transfected with deletion constructs of DCDC2 lacking either of the two doublecortin domains do not show ciliary localization of the protein (G–L). Scale bars indicate 10 µm. Credit: Massinen, et. al
According to scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, a gene linked to dyslexia also controls cilia, hair-like structures that project from the surface of most cells. Cilia resemble small antennae. Although cilia’s purpose has long remained a puzzle, the current study reveals that cells use cilia to communicate. Cilia also play a crucial role in the development of the body’s organs (Science Daily).
The functions of genes linked to dyslexia have heretofore been largely unknown. Karolinska Institutet, in conjunction with Helsinki University, has discerned that DCDC2 is involved in regulating the signaling of cilia in brain neurons. Additionally, the current research, presented in the scientific journal PLoS ONE, aligns with a previous study that tied DCDC2 and two other dyslexia genes in mice to cell migration. Cell migration is a process by which nerve cells move to their correct location in the brain during embryonic development; cilia’s role in regulating cell migration could explain how dyslexia develops. DCDC2 also regulates the length of cilia and activates two different signal systems in the cell, depending on the degree of the gene activity.
“Our discovery presents us with a possible new neurobiological mechanism for dyslexia,” says Professor Juha Kere, who co-led the study with Professor Eero Castrén of Helsinki University. Kere adds, “The cilia are important parts of the machinery that controls cell migration. Just what they do and how it could result in dyslexia are interesting questions that will be given further study.”
Brainjogging was originally created to treat dyslexia. Individuals with dyslexia show quick and sustaining results when they use Brainjogging consistently.
Study cited: Massinen S, Hokkanen M-E, Matsson H, Tammimies K, Tapia-Páez I, et al. (2011) Increased Expression of the Dyslexia Candidate Gene DCDC2 Affects Length and Signaling of Primary Cilia in Neurons. PLoS ONE 6(6): e20580. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0020580)