Chinese scientist makes brain breakthrough

Edited and Translated by Han Shasha, People's Daily Online

Beijing, Nov.16 (People's Daily Online) --After more than three years of study, a research team led by Ma Lan at Fudan University’s Institute of Brain Science recently found that the GRK5, a G protein-coupled receptor kinase widely distributed in the human body, plays a crucial role in neural development.

One end of the GRK5 can be integrated into the brain's cytoskeleton and reframe the cytoskeleton. The other end of the GRK5 can connect the PIP2, a minor phospholipid component of membranes of neurons in the brain and then lead the reframed cytoskeleton to PIP2-rich cell membranes.

In this way, it can mediate the reframing of cytoskeleton dynamics and membranes and promote positive changes to neurons and the formation of neural connections. Related rat experiments have shown that the lack of GRK5 can cause abnormal neuronal development, cognitive defects as well as weakened memory and learning abilities.

The findings were recently published in the world-renowned Journal of Cell Science.