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13h ago

Study Uncovers Cypin’s Synaptic Mechanisms, Fuels Efforts Toward Brain Disorder Treatments

Research teams are now translating cypin’s synaptic tagging alongside proteasome regulation insights into potential therapies for memory loss in neurodegenerative disorders.

brain power
In addition, the protein’s role in promoting synaptic plasticity – the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time – means it may be used to help counteract the synaptic dysfunction seen in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries. Credit: Neuroscience News

Overview

  • Cypin promotes K63-linked polyubiquitination on synaptic proteins to ensure their correct placement and strengthen neuron communication.
  • By binding to the proteasome, cypin slows degradation of key proteins, resulting in higher synaptic protein levels crucial for memory formation.
  • The protein also boosts UBE4A activity, further enhancing synaptic protein tagging and reinforcing learning pathways.
  • Published in Science Advances on July 11, the study led by Rutgers’ Bonnie Firestein and Michigan State collaborators combined in vitro and in vivo experiments.
  • Supported by NIH and the Coalition for Brain Injury Research, ongoing translational projects aim to leverage cypin’s mechanisms to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and traumatic brain injury.