Neural networks, circuits of neurons, are emerging as the fundamental computational unit of the brain and it is becoming progressively clearer that neural network dysfunction is at the core of a number of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Yet our ability to target and study specific neural networks remains limited. Until now Rabies virus, which can jump synapses, has been used to investigate neural networks.
A new tool to study neural networks
First atomic structures of Tau filaments from Alzheimer’s disease brain
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterised by the formation of filamentous Tau protein inside nerve cells and amyloid-beta peptides outside cells. Despite more than three decades of research into Tau filaments from a range of different neurodegenerative diseases, atomic structures were still lacking.
First 3D structure of the complete human dynein
Dynamic structure of human DNA repair enzyme, ATM, revealed
The DNA in cells is constantly damaged by both internal activities of the cell and by external factors such as ionising radiation. In order to function correctly, this damage must be repaired, or if it cannot be repaired, the cell must be killed to prevent development of diseases such as cancer. The large protein kinase, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), is a vital component of the cell’s DNA repair machinery.
The key to GPCR-G protein selectivity
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form the largest family of membrane-protein receptors and drug targets. With over 800 different family members in humans, GPCRs regulate diverse intracellular signalling cascades in different cell types, tissues and organ systems. Whilst GPCRs sense a plethora of environmental stimuli, the appropriate cellular response is primarily triggered by binding to four major Gα protein families encoded by 16 human genes.
Integral component of the Wnt enhancesome identified
The Wnt signalling pathway is an ancient cell communication pathway that has important roles in development and cancer. Wnt signals elicit context-dependent transcriptional responses by stabilising a cytoplasmic effector called beta-catenin. This controls the embryonic development of tissues and organs in all animals, from the most primitive ones all the way to humans.