NCBS study identifies key protein whose dysfunction could trigger neurodegenerative diseases

Neurobiologists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences have identified a key protein whose dysfunction could potentially trigger neurodegenerative diseases. Using the Drosophila model, the group led by Professor Raghu Padinjat has identified a protein named Extended synaptotagmin that sits close to the cell membrane. However, there is still limited scientific evidence to answer why certain proteins are prevalent at these sites or what role they play in cell health,” NCBS said. This means that the cell needs to stay informed about its surroundings, which we think is being done by the changes in intracellular calcium,” said Raghu Padinjat, Professor, NCBS.