Scientists analyze the "brake nerve" structure in the human brain

August 30, 2018 Source: China Science News Author: Cui Xueqin

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On the night when you can't sleep, your brain may be in an extremely excited state. This is related to a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain, which is essential for regulating brain excitability. Ye Sheng Laboratory of Zhejiang University Life Science Research Institute cooperated with Zhejiang University's cryo-electron microscopy research center to analyze the atomic resolution of the GABAA receptor in the human brain for the first time through single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. A three-dimensional structure of the GABAA receptor in an open state. On August 23, the research paper was published online by Cell Research.

This is the first atomic resolution structure of protein obtained by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy technology analyzed by Zhejiang University's cryo-electron microscopy center since its establishment in 2017. Reviewers believe that this study is the basis for subsequent biological and pharmacological studies of GABAA receptors and will provide important information for drug development and clinical treatment.

30% of neurons in the human brain can be bound by GABA, and the protein that neurons receive GABA is the GABAA receptor, which is the "brake." The "brake" effect can be divided into two categories: one is phase adjustment, only open or closed; one is tension regulation, which is to adjust the sensitivity of the nerve to external stimuli.

GABA guarantees the steady state of neural activity. If there is a problem with the "brakes" in the brain, it will cause a series of neurological problems such as insomnia, anxiety and depression.

The GABAA receptor was discovered in one accident, when it was discovered by chance that benzodiazepine had a calming and hypnotic effect. Scientists have found the "brake" GABAA receptor, which is a chloride channel that functions by switching ion channels. However, it has not been known for more than 20 years about how to selectively bind GABA to receptors and how to â€œopen the doorâ€.

The cryo-electron microscopy technology, born in 2013, is a "God assist" for human understanding of life phenomena. It can observe the structure of proteins at atomic resolution. The structure of the protein is ever-changing and profoundly determines its function and activity.

It is understood that in June this year, four laboratories around the world reported the three-dimensional structure of four different GABAA receptors, namely Oxford University, Southwestern Medical Center, Oregon Health Center and Zhejiang University. The analysis of the GABAA receptor structure lays a solid foundation for further development of interactions between drugs and GABAA receptors to develop more effective and safer drugs.

Perhaps, one day in the future, when you can't fall asleep, you can swallow a pill, the drug is directed to the GABAA receptor, and the "brakes" in the brain return to normal work, you can sleep peacefully, without any side effect.