A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of California, San Francisco has revealed a molecular mechanism responsible for the asymmetric calcium-sensitive signaling pathway found in the brain. The findings, published in Nature Communications on November 13, 2023, have implications for understanding a variety of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy.

The research team used a combination of methods, including cryo-electron microscopy, to track the movement of calcium-sensitive proteins in the brain. They discovered that the proteins move in an asymmetric fashion, which is essential for proper neuronal signaling. This asymmetric motion enables neurons to respond to different concentrations of calcium ions and coordinate their activities. The researchers also identified a novel molecular switch that controls this asymmetric motion, which could be the key to understanding neurological disorders.

The findings of this study could potentially lead to better treatments for a range of neurological disorders. The researchers hope that their work will pave the way for more effective therapies and provide a deeper understanding of the calcium-sensitive signaling pathways in the brain.

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source: Phys.org