Potential molecular targets for sleep-related therapies
Release date: 2018-06-22 Science and Technology Daily, Beijing, June 21 (Reporter Zhang Mengran) According to a recent neuroscience research published by Nature in the United Kingdom, a team of American scientists found that protein phosphorylation levels in the brain may drive sleep desire. The study reveals the molecular basis of sleep demand and highlights potential molecular targets for sleep-related therapies. At the same time, it also brings people closer to the mystery of uncovering sleep. The circadian rhythm allows us to perceive the changes in the environment caused by the Earth's rotation and ensure our sleep, but this does not explain why humans need sleep. In theory, sleep can regulate the strength of the connection of neurons. Drosophila experiments have shown that sleep is closely related to its neuronal activity, and the ability of cells to respond to repeated stimuli is consistently reduced by the fruit flies that are deprived of sleep for a long time. However, the molecular basis of this sleep need is still unknown. Moreover, despite the common underlying sleep characteristics of Drosophila and mammals, this has not been verified in mammals. Scientists have previously believed that in mammals, the so-called "sleep-wake" cycle should be driven by a homeostatic mechanism that balances sleep needs with actual sleep time. In view of this, the research team of the Southwestern Medical Center of the University of Texas, USA, analyzed the levels of brain protein phosphorylation in a mouse model of sleep deprivation and sleepy (Sleepy) mutations. In the study they found that overall phosphorylation levels were associated with sleep requirements. Sleep reduces phosphorylation levels, while prolonged arousal leads to excessive phosphorylation and high sleep requirements. The team identified 80 proteins (mainly synaptic proteins) whose phosphorylation status changed according to sleep needs. The researchers say this is thought-provoking because synaptic plasticity is also related to sleep. According to the synaptic balance hypothesis, sleep gives synapses the opportunity to recover from their daily activities and maintain a state of balance. Therefore, phosphorylation of synaptic proteins may be the key to maintaining synaptic balance and "sleep-wake" balance. Source: Technology Daily Hybrid Stepper Motors,Brushless DC Motors,Linear Motor,Gear Motor,Step-Servo Motors,Brushless Motors Changzhou Satidi Import and Export Co., Ltd. , https://www.czguanjiechuck.com