What began as a basic science discovery now influences research into a wide range of neurological disorders.

Defects in protein production at synapses may help drive a range of neurological disorders. Scientists are investigating links to conditions including Fragile X syndrome, an inherited disorder that affects learning and development, and Alzheimer’s disease, in which nerve cells progressively lose function and die.

Fragile X syndrome has drawn particular attention because researchers already know that the disorder stems from mutations involving a protein called Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein which interacts closely with messenger RNA and protein production at synapses.

Researchers still don’t fully understand how those molecular changes translate into symptoms, or when interventions might prove most effective. However, Steward believes that deeper understanding will eventually produce new treatment opportunities.

“Maybe I’m just hopelessly optimistic, but I really believe that as we begin to understand the molecular basis of these diseases and disorders, new treatments will appear,” he said.

Alzheimer’s disease, for example, has long been associated with plaques, tangles and dying neurons. Steward said that researchers may need to pay closer attention to what happens earlier in the disease process.

“One of the first things that happens is actually synapse loss,” he said, adding that understanding how synapses survive, adapt and repair themselves could eventually reveal new ways to slow neurological decline.