Discovery of 'Neuropeptides' That Enhance Cognitive Function in the Brain

Schematic diagram showing the connectivity between somatostatin and other neurons

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A domestic research team has reported that somatostatin, one of the neuropeptides present in our brain, can enhance cognitive function. The researchers expect this study to lead to the development of treatments that restore cognitive abilities in brain diseases such as dementia.

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on the 23rd the research results of a team including Professor Seunghui Lee from the Department of Biological Sciences.

The research team identified that somatostatin, one of the peptides secreted by neurons that release GABA?a neurotransmitter that inhibits neural activity by suppressing brain cell metabolic functions?regulates information processing in the visual cortex.

The team developed and introduced experimental equipment capable of measuring visual information recognition and discrimination abilities in freely moving laboratory mice. They directly injected somatostatin into the mice’s visual cortex or cerebrospinal fluid and observed a significant increase in the mice’s visual information recognition abilities.

Accordingly, they measured changes in synaptic transmission efficiency between neurons in vivo or in brain slices following somatostatin treatment. They also observed the relevant neural network using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) to elucidate the neurophysiological principles underlying the enhancement of visual cognitive function by somatostatin in vivo.

Professor Seunghui Lee stated, "This research is expected to lead to the development of new drugs that can enhance brain function and treat brain diseases."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.