Increasing Fats In The Human Brain Can Prevent Seizures

First Posted: Sep 28, 2016 05:53 AM EDT
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There is not a lot of information how seizures in epilepsy episodes can be suppressed. Now, a new study has found that increasing the concentration of particular fats in the brain could restrain epileptic seizures.

According to Medical Xpress, this ground-breaking study was carried out by the research groups of Professor Patrik Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) and Professor Wim Versées (VIB-Vrije Universiteit Brussel). The findings of the collaboration were published in the leading trade journal, Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.

Reports revealed that Professor Patrik Verstreken specializes in brain research, which mainly focuses on synapses which are the connection between two nerve cells where electrical signals are transmitted. In several different brain disorders like Parkinson's disease, the communication at these synapses is impaired.

It was also stated in the report that Professor Wim Versées analyzes the processes which take place in our cells down to the level of individual molecules and atoms. By studying the 3D structures of protein molecules, Professor Versées attempted to get significant information about their role in the cell and the mechanisms that influence various conditions.

Medical Daily also reported that in order for the researchers to reach their findings, they utilized information from previous studies involving fruit flies. It was revealed that a protein dubbed as "Skywalker" plays a key role in the maintenance of communication between brain cells. Researchers of the new study also worked with a protein in the mind called TBC1D24, which is almost the same as "Skywalker". The study reveals that increasing specific brain fats at the synapses with a TBC1D24 mutation could help halt epileptic seizures in their tracks.

Professor Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) said: "Genetic mutations of the protein TBC1D24 cause a deviation known as the DOOR syndrome. Alongside deafness, deformed nails, brittle bones and mental retardation, this serious genetic disorder is characterized by neurodegeneration, movement disorders, and epilepsy." By collaborating with Professor Versées at the VIB research center for structural biology, scientists were able to find out the 3D of "Skywalker" which then paved the way for the study of protein in microscopic detail.

According to Professor Versées (VIB-Vrije Universiteit Brussel), "Looking at Skywalker in this way gave us completely new insights into the precise function of this protein, and therefore also the function of the human protein TBC1D24. Among other things, we discovered that it connects with specific brain fats. And more importantly, this connection is impaired in over 70% of patients with a TBC1D24 mutation."

Phys Post also reported that scientists increased the concentration of specific brain fats in fruit flies with a Skywalker mutation which caused the epileptic seizures in the sick fruit flies to be suppressed completely. Professor Verstreken (VIB-KU Leuven) explained that their work showed that increasing specific brain fats at the synapses of patients with a TBC1D24 mutation can be a possible way to prevent epileptic seizures. He added saying, "And although our work focuses on people with TBC1D24 mutations, we think that our findings could be relevant to various forms of epilepsy."

Meanwhile, Professor Versées (VIB-Vrije Universiteit Brussel) explained that the two research group will continue to work together to find other strategies for increasing the concentration of specific fats in the brain to prevent epileptic seizures. It is also important to note that this research is the effect of the cross-pollination between structural biology, biochemistry, and genetics, so we will certainly continue down this interdisciplinary route."

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