"Tracking Brain Cells' 'Off Switches' with New Technology"

Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a new technology using optogenetics to track the deactivation of neurons, shedding light on how the brain regulates activity through inhibition. By identifying rapid changes in the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) protein immediately after brain cells stop firing, the team has opened new avenues for studying brain cell inhibition and its role in various diseases, including depression, PTSD, and Alzheimer’s. This groundbreaking technique provides a deeper understanding of normal brain functions and offers potential insights for treating a range of brain disorders and metabolic diseases.