An international team of neuroscientists at Duke University School of Medicine and the National University of Singapore has discovered a new way to reactivate neural stem cells, which play an important role in regenerating brain cells.
The study conducted by the scientific team offers new possibilities for understanding and treating common neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as neural stem cells are the primary source of active cells in the brain.
The study showed that, “After the development of the brain, these cells usually enter a dormant state, where they conserve energy and are only active when needed, such as after injury or exercise. However, as we age, it becomes difficult to awaken a sufficient number of these cells, which may lead to to neurological problems.
Scientists discovered that a specific group of proteins plays a crucial role in activating neural stem cells through a process called “SUMOylation,” in which a small protein known as “SUMO” works to modify other proteins inside the cells to change their activity.
They also found that Sumo-labeled proteins stimulate the reactivation of neural stem cells, which aids in brain growth and repair. In the absence of these proteins, fruit flies were observed to develop a condition known as microcephaly.
The team also found that the SUMO protein regulates another important protein in a pathway known as “Hippo,” which affects cell growth and organ size. When the protein changes under the influence of SUMO, it becomes less effective, allowing stem cells to grow, divide, and form new neurons.
Professor Wang Hongyan, who participated in the study, said: “Our results are not only important for fruit flies, but also have important implications for understanding human biology, as disturbances in this pathway are linked to several diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.”
For his part, Professor Patrick Tan, Vice Dean for Research at Duke University and the National University of Singapore, explained, “This discovery enhances our understanding of how cells work, which helps in developing new treatments for neurological diseases, and also opens new horizons for treatment for conditions such as microcephaly.”