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A groundbreaking discovery by a researcher at the University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience has unveiled molecular gateways that could revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders by facilitating drug delivery into the brain.
Dr. Rosemary Cater, leading a team of researchers, has identified crucial molecular mechanisms involving a nutrient called choline and a protein known as FLVCR2, shedding light on how these elements could be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.
Choline, an indispensable nutrient vital for various bodily functions, especially brain development, has been revealed to be transported into the brain by the FLVCR2 protein, according to Dr. Cater’s findings.
“Choline is a vitamin-like nutrient that is essential for many important functions in the body, particularly for brain development,” Dr. Cater emphasized. “We need to consume 400-500 mg of choline per day to support cell regeneration, gene expression regulation, and for sending signals between neurons.”
The research addresses a long-standing mystery surrounding the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer of specialized cells that shields the brain from potentially harmful substances circulating in the bloodstream.
“This blood-brain barrier prevents molecules in the blood that are toxic to the brain from entering,” explained Dr. Cater. “The brain still needs to absorb nutrients from the blood, so the barrier contains specialized cellular machines — called transporters — that allow specific nutrients such as glucose, omega-3 fatty acids, and choline to enter.”
However, while this barrier serves as a crucial defense mechanism, it poses significant challenges for the development of drugs targeting neurological disorders.
Dr. Cater’s investigation elucidates the intricate process by which choline binds to FLVCR2, effectively traversing the blood-brain barrier. Utilizing state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopes, the research team gained unprecedented insights into the molecular interactions underlying this transport mechanism.
“This is critical information for understanding how to design drugs that mimic choline so that they can be transported by FLVCR2 to reach their site of action within the brain,” Dr. Cater affirmed.
The implications of this discovery are profound, holding promise for the development of novel therapies for debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.
“These findings will inform the future design of drugs for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and stroke,” Dr. Cater concluded.
Moreover, the research underscores the importance of incorporating choline-rich foods into one’s diet, including eggs, vegetables, meat, nuts, and beans, to support brain health and function.
Published in the prestigious journal Nature and funded by the National Institutes of Health, this landmark study marks a significant step forward in the quest to unlock the mysteries of the brain and develop effective treatments for neurological disorders.
