New Technology Tracks Brain Cell Inhibition in Real Time
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a breakthrough technology that allows them to track when brain cells shut off, providing valuable insight into the functioning of the brain and its potential role in diseases and disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and Alzheimer’s disease. The new technique, published in the journal Neuron, provides a unique way to study the brain’s “off switches” and understand how they may malfunction in various conditions.
Understanding the Importance of Inhibition in Brain Activity
Researchers have long recognized that inhibition is a critical mechanism through which the brain regulates its activity. However, until now, studying inhibition in a trackable way has been challenging. The team at Scripps Research, led by senior author Li Ye, Ph.D., and professor John Yates, developed an innovative approach to track brain cell inhibition by using optogenetics, a method that allows control of cellular activity using light.
The Role of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (PDH) in Brain Cell Inhibition
Through their experiments, the scientists discovered that a key protein, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), showed rapid changes immediately after brain cells were inhibited. PDH is involved in producing energy in active brain cells, but the brain seeks to conserve energy when cells are no longer firing. The researchers found that the brain rapidly shuts off the PDH protein by adding phosphates, resulting in an inactive and phosphorylated form of PDH (pPDH).
Testing Levels of Phosphorylated PDH as a Measure of Brain Cell Inhibition
To validate their findings, the team measured levels of pPDH in mice that had undergone anesthesia. They found high levels of pPDH throughout the brain, accurately reflecting the inactivity of brain cells during anesthesia. The researchers also studied pPDH levels when animals were exposed to bright light that was subsequently turned off. They observed low levels of pPDH in brain cells responsible for vision while being exposed to light, but these levels significantly increased after the light was switched off.
Potential Implications in Studying Appetite and Metabolic Diseases
The new technique also shed light on the brain’s process of turning off hunger signals after a meal. The researchers observed how brain cells associated with appetite ceased activity when a mouse began to eat. This finding has broader implications for understanding appetite, obesity, and the development of weight loss drugs. Additionally, the pPDH antibodies used in this study could be used to compare levels of brain cell inhibition in healthy individuals and those with various brain and metabolic diseases.
Future Directions and Applications of the Technology
The groundbreaking technology developed by the Scripps Research team opens doors to answering numerous questions about the role of brain cell inhibition in different diseases. It allows researchers to investigate what happens when cells are unable to turn off or when they are turned off at a faster or slower rate than usual. By studying inhibition in various conditions, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of the brain and develop targeted treatments for neurological disorders.
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Analyst comment
Positive news: The new technology developed by scientists at Scripps Research allows for tracking brain cell inhibition in real-time, providing valuable insight into brain functioning and potential links to diseases and disorders. This breakthrough technique using optogenetics and measuring phosphorylated PDH levels has vast potential for studying various conditions and developing targeted treatments. The market for neurological research and treatments is expected to grow as this technology expands.
