Discovery gives insight into brain function, breakdowns

OHSU researchers identify key molecule that contributes to understanding, developing treatments for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, autism

Dennis WEINGARTEN and Skyler Jackman
Dennis Weingarten, Ph.D., (left) post–doctoral scientist & Skyler Jackman, Ph.D., assistant scientist in the OHSU Vollum Institute, are the co-authors of a neurotransmission discovery that is published in the journal Nature. (OHSU/Christine Torres Hicks)

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a long-sought gene-encoded protein that enables the brain to communicate a broad range of signals across gaps between neurons, known as synapses.

The discovery published today in the journal Nature.

Known as synaptotagmin-3, or SYT3, the protein helps to replenish the supply of chemical neurotransmitters that carry signals between neurons.

Read the full OHSU News article here
Jackman Lab