Mutant Mouse Pins PSD-95 in Williams syndrome

Mice missing a large protein at the junction between neurons show motor impairments, anxiety and increased social behaviors — all features reminiscent of Williams syndrome, a rare developmental disorder. The findings appear online 15 October in the American Journal of Psychiatry.The protein, postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), sits on the receiving end of a neuronal connection, or synapse. It is part of a key molecular bridge connecting other synaptic proteins — such as SHANK, neuroligins and neurexins — that have been linked to autism and related conditions.Read more at...SFARI, November 2010.