Nature has been searching for a long time, and finally found proteins that directly promote the "ammunition depot" of neurotransmitters

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have discovered a long-sought gene encoding protein that allows the brain to transmit a wide range of signals
between gaps between neurons, called synapses.
The findings are published today in
the journal Nature.

This protein, called synaptotagmin-3, or SYT3, helps replenish the supply of chemical neurotransmitters that transmit signals
between neurons.

Senior author Dr.
Skyler Jackman, an assistant scientist at the OHSU Vollum Institute, said: "When brain cells are active, they release neurotransmitters to communicate
with surrounding cells.
If a cell is very active, it depletes the supply of neurotransmitters, which can lead to disrupted communication and brain
dysfunction.
It turns out that cells have a promoting pattern that replenishes their neurotransmitter supply, but until now, we didn't know what molecule was working
.
We found that SYT3 directly leads to an increase in neurotransmitters, which gives us a new understanding
of how the brain breaks down and doesn't process information properly.
”

The researchers made "knockout" mice
without the SYT3 gene.
They found that these mice lacked more robust levels
of synaptic transmission than control mice with the gene.
Notably, mutations in the SYT3 gene have been linked to
human epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders.
Research published today suggests the possibility
of developing gene therapies or drug approaches that target SYT3.

"Imbalance in neurotransmitter release is a potential cause of many neurological disorders," said lead author Dennis Weingarten, Ph.
D.
, a
postdoctoral researcher in Jackman's lab.
In the future, he said, "understanding these molecular switches — such as SYT3 — is a critical step in
our fight against these diseases.
" ”

The human brain contains trillions of synapses
.
Discovering molecules that give these special structures unique properties is critical
to understanding brain function and neurological diseases.

"Synaptic transmission is fundamental to perceiving our surroundings, making decisions, and almost every other characteristic of our inner world," Jackman said
.

Fast resupply of synaptic vesicles requires synaptotagmin-3