A team of biologists including one of Indian origin from University of Toronto has achieved a breakthrough by identifying proteins that can be targeted for correcting imbalances that are evidenced in neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
Professor Melanie Woodin, the research lead, said that neurons in the brain interact with other neurons by way of a process called synapses. In the process, they either excite or inhibit other neurons. He also added that any discrepancy in excitation or inhibition levels may cause improper brain function and induce seizures or other neurologic disorders.
Epilepsy
Fits or convulsions or Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent, involuntary seizures and is described as a chronic neurological disorder
Advertisement
A protein complex has been located that plays a key role in regulating the proper interaction of neurons at cellular level. The key proteins are KCC2, which is responsible for inhibitory impulse, GluK2, which is the receptor for excitatory transmitter glutamate, and Neto 2, which is an auxilary protein that communicates with the other two proteins. The protein complex integrates all these three proteins for synaptic communication.
"Finding that they are all directly interacting and can co-regulate each other's function reveals for the first time a system that can mediate excitation-inhibition balance among neurons themselves," said Vivek Mahadevan, a PhD candidate in Woodin's group and lead author of the study.
![15 Key Facts About Epilepsy]( "15 Key Facts About Epilepsy")
Epilepsy is a non-communicable, chronic neurological condition that affects people of all ages. Here are some interesting facts about epilepsy.
The cornerstone of the study was the application of an advanced sensitive gel system to determine native protein complexes in neurons known as Blue Native Page.
The researchers made this path-breaking discovery by conducting electrophysiology experiments, biochemistry, fluorescence imaging on mice brains.
"There is no cure for epilepsy; the best available treatments only control its effects, such as convulsions and seizures. We can now imagine preventing them from occurring in the first place," Woodin added.
The findings are published in the journal Cell Reports.
Source: Medindia
15 Key Facts About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a non-communicable, chronic neurological condition that affects people of all ages. Here are some interesting facts about epilepsy.
Advertisement
The cornerstone of the study was the application of an advanced sensitive gel system to determine native protein complexes in neurons known as Blue Native Page.
The researchers made this path-breaking discovery by conducting electrophysiology experiments, biochemistry, fluorescence imaging on mice brains.
"There is no cure for epilepsy; the best available treatments only control its effects, such as convulsions and seizures. We can now imagine preventing them from occurring in the first place," Woodin added.
The findings are published in the journal Cell Reports.
Source: Medindia
Canadian Researchers Identify Key Players in Development of Epilepsy and Schizophrenia
Researchers at University of Toronto revealed that they have identified key proteins that play an important role in neurological disorders.
Advertisement
 ConvulsionsSeizure or a convulsion is a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. If there are two or more unprovoked seizures at an interval of at least 24 hours, it is referred to as epilepsy. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Research News
Malaria parasites sync their molecular rhythms with the internal 24-hour clocks of their hosts, said researchers.
A latest research suggests that the quality of a person's post-work recovery in the evening can impact their mood when they resume work the next day.
Researchers are working on new strategies and solutions for sleep apnea to ward off a range of health risks including cognitive decline.
The scientists discovered that when the stem cells in the hair follicle are made softer, they have a higher chance of growing hair.
A combinatorial therapy provided promising beneficial results among people with ischemic stroke.