Reelin (RELN) Gene

Reelin is a gene that is important to learning and memory. It is also a candidate gene for autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Reelin is a gene that is important to learning and memory. It is also a candidate gene for autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Reelin (RELN) is a protein found mainly in the brain. It plays an important role in brain development, and is a regulator of early neuronal migration and positioning. In adults, reelin is important to the processes of learning and memory, and is critical to inducing and maintaining long-term potentiation (LTP). It modulates the synaptic plasticity by enhancing LTP induction and maintenance. Mice that lack the reelin gene (also known as RELN) tend to acquire unbalanced jerky movements, where they appear to be reeling – hence the name reelin. Three candidate gene studies support an association between autism and reelin, four do not. Reelin is also associated with a number of other cognitive disorders, including schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease.