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Serotonin to help against neurological decline
Why is it in news?
- In a surprising discovery, researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai have found a novel function for serotonin (a chemical that signals between neurons).
More in news
- What is found in discovery?(1) At the level of an organism, serotonin is known to be involved in coping with stress. However, the underlying mechanism of its neuro-protective role was unknown.(2) The recent discovery establishes that serotonin is involved in the generation of new mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) in neurons, increased cellular respiration and fuel (ATP) in the cell.(3) It provides insights into how serotonin generates more mitochondria thereby giving neurons the capacity to produce more energy and the ability to cope with stress better.(4) More than three decades ago researchers had speculated that serotonin could have antioxidant-like effects. But this was not experimentally proved.(5) Recent showed that serotonin reduces reactive oxygen species, thus providing neuroprotection against cellular stress.(6) Serotonin can impact the manner in which neurons grapple with stress and affect the trajectory of ageing.
- How will it help in curing neurodegenerative diseases?(1) Neuronal loss is a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases such as in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.(2) Abnormal mitochondrial functions are known to cause or contribute to neuronal death.(3) The new findings from TIFR raise the possibility that serotonin signalling could be used to prevent mitochondrial abnormalities and neuronal loss.(4) Unlike other cells, neurons are not generated continuously and so identifying factors that increase mitochondrial health is key to prevent ageing-associated neurological diseases.
Source
The Hindu