The altered presence of small fragments of neuronal genes, called microaxons, causes hyperexcitability in zebrafish. This is the main finding of an international study led by Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG). An abnormal pattern of neural microaxon appearance leads to a hyperarousal state, characterized by increased neural activity and insomnia, which is commonly associated with stress as well as neurodevelopmental disorders.
