The SUMO protein that may harbour epilepsy and schizophrenia cure

Scientists at the University of Bristol, UK have revealed that increasing the amount of small protein, SUMO, in brain, can hold the key for countering diseases like epilepsy and schizophrenia.

Washington, May 8 : Scientists at the University of Bristol, UK have revealed that increasing the amount of small protein, SUMO, in brain, can hold the key for countering diseases like epilepsy and schizophrenia.

Nerve connections in brain called synapses pass information that administers brain function though proteins called receptors. This function is supposed to be the foundation for learning and memory

In a healthy brain, synapses can effectually work by rising or lessening the information conveyed. In conditions like epilepsy the synapses pass too much information, leading to over-excitation in the cells.

The study led by Professor Jeremy Henley discovered that when kainate receptor gets a chemical signal, the protein, SUMO, pulls the receptor out of synapse, preventing any information from reaching it and stops the cells from getting excited

"This work is important because it gives a new perspective and a deeper understanding of how the flow of information between cells in the brain is regulated. It is possible that increasing the amount of SUMO attached to kainate receptors - which would reduce communication between the cells - could be a way to treat epilepsy by preventing over-excitation," Nature quoted Henley, as saying.The discovery can lead the development of treatment for brain conditions that has too much synapses activity.

The study is available online in Nature.

ANI