Mediplacements - Critical protein 'prevents secondary stroke damage'

Critical protein 'prevents secondary stroke damage'

Wednesday 2nd November 2011

A critical protein prevents secondary damage after stroke, one neuroscientist has said.

In a paper published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Bonnie Firestein explained that one of two proteins that regulate nerve cells and assist in overall brain function could be key to preventing long-term stroke damage.

The Rutgers University professor explained that the increased production of two proteins, known as cypin and PSD-95, results in very different outcomes.

Cypin, a protein that regulates nerve cell and neuron branching critical to normal brain functioning, was found to prevent nerve cells not damaged during the original stroke from losing their ability to communicate. This stops any secondary neurological damage.

Meanwhile, PSD-95 accelerates cell destruction and inhibits recovery.

"We don't know how or why cypin acts during this process, but what we do know is that cypin helps nerve cells survive," said Ms Firestein.

"I would hope that this research aids in the development of an effective therapeutic intervention, saving neurons and reducing the long-term effects of stroke and other traumatic brain injuries," she added.

Written by Megan Smith
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