Scientists discover brain protein that could unlock vital understanding of stroke

Scientists discover brain protein that could unlock vital understanding of stroke

 

Scientists have identified a key protein that helps the brain transmit information - a breakthrough that could aid our understanding of strokes.

The University of Edinburgh team said the protein, neurofacin, is crucial for maintaining the health and function of the segment of nerve fibres that controls transmission of messages within the brain.

The brain works like an electrical circuit, sending impulses along nerve fibres and when impulses from the brain are disrupted it can lead to an inability to control movement, characteristic of conditions such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and strokes.

Dr Matthew Nolan, of the university's Centre for Integrative Physiology, said: 'At any moment tens of thousands of electrical impulses are transmitting messages between nerve cells in our brains.

'Identifying proteins that are critical for the precise initiation of these impulses will help unravel the complexities of how brains work and may lead to new insights into how brains evolved.'

It is hoped that the study, published in the journal Neuron, will help scientists better understand how neurodegenerative illnesses strike.

Professor Peter Brophy, director of the university's Centre for Neuroregeneration, said: 'Knowing more about how signals in the brain work will help us better understand neurodegenerative disorders and why, when these illnesses strike, the brain can no longer send signals to parts of the body.'

The research is funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council.