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New insight into brain disorders
March 01, 2007New findings will help in the understanding of how memories are laid down and what goes wrong in brain disorders
The function of an enzyme in the brain - strongly linked to a number of major brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder - has been identified for the first time by researchers at the University of Bristol, UK.
These findings, published today in Neuron, will help in the understanding of how memories are laid down and what goes wrong in these disorders.
The research showed how controlling the activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) might prevent a memory being erased by improving the strength of connections between neurons in the brain, thus allowing better consolidation of new information.
Professor Collingridge from the University of Bristol said: "While GSK3 has previously been implicated in major neurological disorders, until now its role in normal neuronal function has been largely unknown. Our new understanding will help pharmaceutical companies develop drugs to inhibit it when things go wrong."
Professor Graham Collingridge and his team, with colleagues from the University of British Columbia, revealed that the activity of GSK3 facilitates a form of 'cross-talk' between the two major forms of synaptic plasticity in the brain.
Synaptic plasticity is the strength of a connection between neurons and forms the basis of learning and memory.
University of Bristol
The research showed how controlling the activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) might prevent a memory being erased by improving the strength of connections between neurons in the brain, thus allowing better consolidation of new information.
Professor Collingridge from the University of Bristol said: "While GSK3 has previously been implicated in major neurological disorders, until now its role in normal neuronal function has been largely unknown. Our new understanding will help pharmaceutical companies develop drugs to inhibit it when things go wrong."
Professor Graham Collingridge and his team, with colleagues from the University of British Columbia, revealed that the activity of GSK3 facilitates a form of 'cross-talk' between the two major forms of synaptic plasticity in the brain.
Synaptic plasticity is the strength of a connection between neurons and forms the basis of learning and memory.
University of Bristol
Schizophrenia Current Events and Schizophrenia News RSSMother's flu during pregnancy may increase baby's risk of schizophrenia
Rhesus monkey babies born to mothers who had the flu while pregnant had smaller brains and showed other brain changes similar to those observed in human patients with schizophrenia, a study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in collaboration with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has found.
Snake venom charms science world
The King Cobra continues to weave its charm with researchers identifying a protein in its venom with the potential for new drug discovery and to advance understanding of disease mechanisms.
Scientists identify age-associated defects in schizophrenia
The underlying causes of the debilitating psychiatric disorder schizophrenia remain poorly understood.
Critical brain chemical shown to play role in severe depression
The next advance in treating major depression may relate to a group of brain chemicals that are involved in virtually all our brain activity, according to a study published today in Biological Psychiatry.
Pitt Researchers Report Internal and Environmental Factors Trigger Unique Brain Activity in Teens, Is Key Step in Understanding Causes of Teen Behavior
While the otherworldly behavior of teenagers is well documented, University of Pittsburgh researchers have taken a significant step toward finally unraveling the actual brain activity that can drive adolescents to engage in impulsive, self-indulgent, or self-destructive behavior.
In schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, life is not black and white
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder affect tens of millions of individuals around the world. These disorders have a typical onset in the early twenties and in most cases have a chronic or recurring course. Neither disorder has an objective biological marker than can be used to make diagnoses or to guide treatment.
Some morbidly obese people are missing genes, shows new research
A small but significant proportion of morbidly obese people are missing a section of their DNA, according to research published today in Nature.
Suicides by mental health patients preventable, says report
Preventing patients from leaving psychiatric wards without staff agreement could avoid up to 50 suicide deaths every year, say University of Manchester researchers.
Psychiatric patient suicides can be prevented
Between 1997 and 2006, 38% of out-of-clinic suicides by mental health patients were carried out by people absent without leave from the hospital.
UC Davis researchers identify brain protein for synapse development
A new study from UC Davis Health System identifies for the first time a brain protein called SynDIG1 that plays a critical role in creating and sustaining synapses, the complex chemical signaling system responsible for communication between neurons.
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