Scientists uncover role of alpha 2 delta in relaying thoughts, feelings and actions

Biochemistry scientists have uncovered the incredible role of alpha 2 delta in relaying thoughts, feelings and actions in the brain.

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College discovered how the single proteinexerts a spigot-like function which controls the volume of neurotransmitters and other chemicals that flow between the synapses of brain neurons. This deepens our understanding of how brain cells talk to each other and consequently, how we think, feel and act.

The study also had a pharmaceutical aspect to it, with the researchers analysing how the widely used pain drug Lyrica works. Alpha 2 delta is the target of this drug, but this research shows that there is potential for other products to twist particular neurotransmitter spigots on and off to treat neurological disorders. The research findings surprised the team, which includes scientists from University College London.

The study's lead investigator Dr Timothy A. Ryan, professor of Biochemistry and associate professor of Biochemistry in Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medical College said: "We are amazed that any single protein has such power.

"It is indeed rare to identify a biological molecule's function that is so potent, that seems to be controlling the effectiveness of neurotransmission."

The powerful protein was found to determine the amount of calcium channels which will be present at the synaptic junction between neurons. The researchers found that taking away alpha 2 delta from brain cells prevented calcium channels from getting to the synapse, but adding more alpha 2 delta can  triple the number of channels at synapses.

Dr Ryan explains: "This change in abundance was tightly linked to how well synapses carry out their function, which is to release neurotransmitters."

Lyrica was previously known to binds to alpha 2 delta, but little was understood about how this protein works to control synapses. The new findings could lead to new drugs that better regulate and control neurological communication.

Posted by Ben Evans