Scientists have discovered a key protein for the protection of nerve cells

Recently, neuroscientists discovered a key protein responsible for CST7 the protection of nerve cells, the results of this study may contribute to the development of new therapies for stroke and epilepsy.After the activation of this key protein has been found to protect the nerve cells from damage in heart failure or during the seizures, the protein can regulate the transfer of information between nerve cells in the brain. The study was completed by CSTA the University of Bristol, UK neuroscientist and published in Nature Neuroscience journal.Bristol Medical School Professor Jeremy Henley, Jack Mellor, a Ph.D led the research team discovered protein SUMO responsible for the control to reduce or enhance the chemical processes of the brain cell protection mechanisms.

SUMO protein on the brain of these key levels of activity to CSTB produce a subtle response, regulating the amount of information transmission of the kainate receptor, the kainate receptor is responsible for communication between nerve cells, the activation of nerve cells can lead to epilepsy seizures and neuronal cell death.Protein function by the structure of control, independent or including phosphorylation, ubiquitination and SUMO technology. The current study shows that CSTF1 the kainate receptor phosphorylation will promote the activities of the protein. However, phosphorylation is also conducive to the kainate receptor SUMO and reduce their activity. Regulation of kainate receptor function in the phosphorylation and SUMO technology is a dynamic and subtle interactions.

This delicate balance between phosphorylation and SUMO dependent on the level of ctaG activity of the brain, stroke or epilepsy, this balance is destroyed, this will enhance the SUMOylation and thus reduce the function of the kainate receptor to protect the nerve cells.

Physiology and pharmacology, School of Dr. Mellor, Senior Lecturer, said: kainate receptor 1 protein is involved in many disease processes, including epilepsy. However, we are still not clear why the kainate receptor is so important. We clearly SUMO proteins play an important role in the neuroprotective process. These results were confirmed by the contact between the SUMO and kainate receptor helps us understand how the nerve cells to protect themselves in excessive and abnormal activity.

Professor Henley added: This work is important, because for a deeper understanding of brain cells between the information flow control to provide a new perspective. The research team found that SUMO attached to kainate receptors increase in the number will reduce the communication between cells, so that excitation to treat epilepsy by preventing brain cells over.