"Breakthrough Discovery: Unveiling the Mystery of Degenerative Brain Disorders"

In a groundbreaking development, a team of researchers led by Dr. Kim Yun Kyung from the Brain Science Institute at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has unveiled a cutting-edge neuron labeling technology named NeuM (Neuronal Membrane-selective). This innovative technology allows for the selective labeling of neuronal membranes, enabling real-time monitoring of neuronal changes like never before.

NeuM comes as a game-changer in the field of neuroscience, where understanding the mechanisms behind degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease is crucial. These disorders are characterized by the malfunction and progressive degeneration of nerve cells, making it imperative to have advanced labeling technologies that can visualize neuronal changes both in normal and diseased states.

Unlike existing gene-based and antibody-based labeling technologies that face challenges in accuracy and long-term tracking, NeuM offers a groundbreaking solution. Through a meticulously designed molecular approach, NeuM exhibits exceptional binding affinity to neuronal membranes, allowing for extended tracking and high-resolution imaging of neurons. By binding to neuronal membranes and emitting fluorescent signals, NeuM enables detailed observation of neuronal structures and real-time monitoring of neuronal interactions and differentiation.

One of the remarkable features of NeuM lies in its ability to selectively react with living cells, excluding dead cells without internalizing, thus ensuring precision in observations. Moreover, the research team has pushed the boundaries by extending the observation time of neurons from a mere 6 hours to an impressive 72 hours, facilitating the capture of dynamic changes in living neurons over an extended period.

With the surge in neurodegenerative diseases that currently lack definitive cures, NeuM holds immense promise in providing insights for research and therapy development. By offering a precise visualization of neuronal changes, NeuM can aid in evaluating potential therapeutic compounds for diseases like Alzheimer's, which stem from neuronal damage caused by toxic proteins and inflammatory substances.

Dr. Kim expressed his excitement about NeuM, emphasizing its potential in distinguishing aging and degenerating neurons, thereby serving as a vital tool in unraveling the mechanisms of degenerative brain disorders and devising effective treatments. Looking ahead, the team aims to further enhance NeuM's capabilities by refining it for more precise neuronal analysis through the design of fluorescence wavelengths that can distinguish colors.

This groundbreaking research, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, marks a significant leap forward in neuroscience and opens new avenues for understanding and combating degenerative brain disorders. NeuM's potential to revolutionize the field offers hope for a future where neurodegenerative diseases can be tackled with unprecedented precision and effectiveness.

Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1040228