Protein discovery 'to further understanding of brain disorders'RSS Feed

Research has uncovered an essential protein which looks set to further understanding of the brain injury seen in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and dementia.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have found that the protein, known as Nfasc186, sustains the nerve fibres which are essential for the transmission of messages in the brain.

Researcher Professor Peter Brophy 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."

More proteins essential for brain health have been discovered by scientists at the Children's Hospital in Boston.

It was thought that the fluids which bathe the brain simply maintained the organ's ionic balance. However, new research shows that these proteins are essential for building the brain, which has implications for brain injury stem cell research in addition to cancer and neurological disease.

News from Serious Law, specialist acquired brain injury solicitors

Posted by Matthew Dixon
 

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