Cellular ‘messenger’ mystery unlocked by Bengaluru scientists, may help treat alzheimer’s, diabetes

Bengaluru: Scientists from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) made a breakthrough in understanding how our bodies' cells release essential chemical messengers, potentially paving the way for new treatments for health conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.A research team at IISc's department of developmental biology and genetics revealed how a specific fat molecule called PIP2 influences the release of chemical signals from tiny structures within our cells. These structures, known as large dense core vesicles, act like miniature storage containers for crucial chemical messengers. In nerve cells, they store neurotransmitters that allow brain cells to communicate, while in the pancreas, they contain insulin that regulates blood sugar.When these vesicles don't release their contents properly, it can lead to serious health conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes. Using an innovative technique, involving ultra-microelectrodes, researchers led by Nikhil Gandasi were able to observe with unprecedented detail how these vesicles behave when levels of PIP2 are increased.The study found that higher levels of PIP2 can change how these vesicles release their chemical contents, potentially affecting how nerve cells communicate or how insulin is released into the bloodstream. "This discovery could have wide-ranging implications for developing new medications that target neurotransmitter or insulin release," as per IISc. "It opens up exciting possibilities for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes."The new research technique provides better resolution than existing methods for monitoring these microscopic processes, offering hope for further advances in understanding cellular communication disorders.