The protein encoded by this gene is a cytoplasmic actin-binding protein thought to play a role in the process of neuronal growth. It is a member of the drebrin family of proteins that are developmentally regulated in the brain. A decrease in the amount of this protein in the brain has been implicated as a possible contributing factor in the pathogenesis of memory disturbance in Alzheimer's disease. At least two alternative splice variants encoding different protein isoforms have been described for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A systematic review of postmortem human brain studies found that the DBN1 mRNA transcript was increased in the anterior cingulate cortex of individuals who died by suicide compared to controls, indicating a specific alteration in oligodendrocyte-related gene expression associated with suicidal behavior [Yamamoto et al. DOI:10.3390/Ijms25115750].