RESEARCH: PARKINSONS
FOLDING PROJECT #19022 PROFILE

This project simulates how a protein called the glycine transporter moves glycine in the brain. Glycine helps control nerve signals, and problems with this transporter can lead to diseases like schizophrenia. By understanding how it works, scientists can design better drugs to treat these conditions.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

These projects contains simulations of the glycine transporter, the protein responsible for terminating neurotransmission in neurons.

Glycine is a major inhibitory neurontramitter of the spinal cord and brain stem.

Malfunctions in the glycine transporter have been assoicated with neurological diseases including schizophrenia and hyperekplexia.

Our goal in performing these simulations is to understand how the ions are coupled with substrate transport, which will enable better design of drugs targetting the glycine transporter.

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glycine transporter

Protein responsible for terminating neurotransmission of glycine.

The glycine transporter is a protein found in neurons that helps regulate the level of glycine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It moves glycine from the synapse (the space between neurons) back into the neuron, effectively stopping its action. Dysfunction in this transporter can contribute to neurological disorders like schizophrenia and hyperekplexia.

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neurotransmission

The process of nerve impulse transmission.

Neurotransmission is the complex process by which nerve cells (neurons) communicate with each other. It involves the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters from one neuron across a tiny gap (synapse) to another neuron. These neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, triggering a signal that can either excite or inhibit the neuron.

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schizophrenia

A chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking. People with schizophrenia may also have difficulty with social interactions, work, and daily tasks.

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hyperekplexia

A rare genetic disorder characterized by exaggerated startle reflex.

Hyperekplexia is a rare neurological disorder that causes an overly sensitive startle reflex. Even minor stimuli, like touching or sudden noise, can trigger a strong and prolonged muscle spasm, often leading to falls. It's usually caused by mutations in genes involved in regulating nerve signals.

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drugs

Substances used for medical treatment or recreational purposes.

Drugs are chemical substances that can alter bodily functions. They are used to treat a wide range of conditions, from infections and pain to mental health disorders. The development and testing of new drugs is a complex process involving extensive research and clinical trials.

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targetting

The process of designing drugs to interact with specific biological molecules.

Targeting in drug development involves identifying specific proteins or enzymes that are involved in a disease pathway. Drugs are then designed to bind to these targets and modulate their activity. This can either block harmful processes or enhance beneficial ones.