Researchers Discover New Insights into Dopamine Synapse Function
Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology uncovers additional features of key neurotransmitter
A team of researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) has made an exciting discovery regarding the dopamine synapse, a crucial component in our brain’s functioning. Led by Professor Jaeik Kim from the Department of Life Sciences, the team found that dopamine synapses not only transmit dopamine, but also the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which helps regulate neural activity. This revelation suggests that dopamine synapses share similarities with inhibitory synapses, shedding new light on their role in maintaining overall brain health.
Dopamine, as the main neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a vital role in regulating behavior and cognitive functions. Disorders involving the dopamine system, such as Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia, are well-documented and understood. Therefore, any research that examines the structure and function of dopamine synapses is crucial in advancing our understanding of these conditions.
Within the synapse area of the brain, neurons communicate and transmit signals that create the various functions within the brain. Recognizing this, the research team sought to establish the relationship between changes in the structure and function of dopamine synapses and the onset of brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Through their investigations, the team found that dopamine synapses transmit GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and possess properties similar to inhibitory synapses.
Further analysis revealed that the removal of synaptic adhesion protein NL2, which is instrumental in creating and maintaining inhibitory synapses, resulted in a decrease in the number of dopamine synapses. Building upon these findings, the team conducted animal studies using an experimental model of Parkinson’s disease. They found that GABA transmission in dopamine synapses significantly declined during the early stages of the disease. This suggests that supplementing reduced GABA levels could potentially slow down the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Jae-ik Kim emphasized the significance of the team’s discovery, stating, “The properties of inhibitory synapses have a crucial impact on the survival of dopamine synapses.” He expressed hope that future research on these new insights into dopamine synapses will lead to the early detection and development of treatments for brain diseases like Parkinson’s disease.
The research findings were published on October 31 in the esteemed life science journal ‘Cell Reports.’
This groundbreaking research received support from various sources, including the Ministry of Science and ICT, National Research Foundation of Korea Excellent New Research, Mid-Career Research, Brain Function Recognition Control Technology Development Project, and POSCO TJ Park Science Fellowship of POSCO TJ Foundation.
(Ulsan = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Yong-tae = Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have discovered new features of the dopamine synapse, which secretes dopamine, the main neurotransmitter in our brain.
According to UNIST on the 2nd, Professor Jaeik Kim’s team in the Department of Life Sciences discovered that dopamine synapses can transmit not only dopamine but also the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which prevents nerve cells from being overexcited, and has similar properties to inhibitory synapses.
These features have been found to play an important role in the maintenance and survival of dopamine synapses.
Dopamine is transferred to different nerve cells in the brain through dopamine synapses and is involved in the regulation of behavior and various cognitive functions.
Problems with the dopamine system are known to cause Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia.
In general, various functions performed by the brain are created through the signal transmission process between neurons that occurs in the synapse area.
Accordingly, the research team determined that brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease would have a close causal relationship with changes in the structure and function of dopamine synapses.
As a result of the study, it was confirmed that dopamine synapses transmit GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
In addition, when analyzing the synaptic molecules attached to the front and back of the synapse, it was revealed that the dopamine synapse also has the properties of an inhibitory synapse.
In particular, when NL2, a synaptic adhesion protein that plays an important role in the creation and maintenance of inhibitory synapses, was artificially removed, it was also confirmed that the number of dopamine synapses decreased.
Based on this, the research team found through animal studies where Parkinson’s disease was experimentally induced that GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter transmitted in dopamine synapses, rapidly decreases in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
When the transmission of GABA in the dopamine synapse is reduced, the death of the dopamine synapse is promoted, and the possibility that supplementing the reduced GABA can slow down the development of Parkinson’s disease has been confirmed experimentally.
Professor Jae-ik Kim said, “We discovered that the properties of inhibitory synapses play an important role in the survival of dopamine synapses,” and added, “Future research on new properties of dopamine synapses will be used for the detection and development treatments early on for associated brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.” “I will be able to contribute,” he said.
The results of the research were published on October 31 in the life science journal ‘Cell Reports’.
The research was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, National Research Foundation of Korea Excellent New Research, Mid-Career Research, Brain Function Recognition Control Technology Development Project, and POSCO TJ Park Science Fellowship of POSCO TJ Foundation.
yongtae@yna.co.kr
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