One of the proteins made by chromosome 15 genes that are disrupted in PWS is
called necdin. Necdin is found in the brain (particularly in the hypothalamus)
and is needed for normal development and interconnection of brain cells. Because
hypothalamic dysfunction may change the secretion of neurotransmitters that
affect appetite and because small hypothalamii and increased appetite are
hallmarks of PWS, researchers suspect a necdin deficiency may cause the
insatiable hunger associated with PWS. Dr. Reyes and her team will examine how
necdin is expressed in brain cells and if expression relates to appetite. In
mice, she will examine how to identify brain cells that express necdin, if
necdin levels are different in varying models of over-eating, eating schedules,
and chemically stimulated hunger, and if artificially deleting the necdin gene
leads to hungrier mice. Dr. Reyes will also draw upon funding she has already
obtained from her K-01 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney
Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.
edited: 08/19/2008