Analysis of Neuron 'Traffic Jams' in Brain May Help Treat Diseases

The molecular equivalent of traffic jams - a cluster of nerve cells inside the brain - can potentially be the result of cellular degeneration and death. Researchers from the University of Buffalo examined these blockages in the brains of fruit flies.

The University of Buffalo researchers specifically examined isolated nerve cells, or neurons, from fruit fly larvae because the neuronal pathways in these insects are similar to those in humans. They found that the traffic jams of nerve cells in the fruit flies' brains can form and dissolve in 30 seconds or less.

They analyzed still images of the neuronal pathways in the living larvae and focused on the blockages in the brain as well as the transport of essential materials that contribute to the growth of neurons. They found that if the transport of materials was disrupted due a blockage then the growth of neurons was negatively affected, suggesting that the transport of the essential materials hinges on the neurons health.

"This is an important distinction that could help researchers decide which kind or type of blocks to focus on when developing drugs and other forms of therapy for some of these debilitating diseases," said lead researcher Shermali Gunawardena, PhD, an assistant professor of biological sciences in the University at Buffalo's College of Arts and Sciences, in this UB news release. The researchers note that some blockages - specifically the ones that are short-lived - are benign.

The study, "Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Normal and Perturbed Vesicle Transport," was published in the journal PLOS ONE on May 30^th. The findings are significant because these blockages could be the cause of some neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's and could provide medical experts with the information they need to better identify and treat such ailments.

Despite these noteworthy findings, the researchers say that more research must be conducted to better understand the spatial and temporal characteristics of the nerve cells' behavior and responsibilities becuase their health is dependent on the brain's ability to function properly.

You can read more about the University of Buffalo study in this news release.