Researchers have introduced ‘NeuM’, a cutting-edge technology for labeling neurons, allowing for detailed observation of neuronal structures and real-time monitoring of changes. This innovation holds significant promise in the battle against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke. These conditions are characterized by the gradual deterioration of nerve cells, necessitating precise labeling technologies to visualize changes in neurons under various conditions.
Developed by a research team led by Dr. Kim Yun Kyung from KIST in collaboration with Professor Chang Young-Tae’s team, NeuM selectively labels neuronal membranes, enabling high-resolution imaging and long-term tracking of living neurons. Unlike current labeling technologies, NeuM utilizes fluorescent probes that bind to neuronal membranes, emitting fluorescent signals upon excitation. This technology allows for detailed observation of neuronal structures and tracking of changes over an extended period.
With the ability to distinguish between aging and degenerating neurons, NeuM is poised to enhance our understanding of degenerative brain disorders and aid in the development of effective treatments. Dr. Kim emphasized the importance of NeuM in elucidating disease mechanisms and expressed plans to further refine the technology for more precise neuronal analysis. This groundbreaking research, published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, was supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Dementia Overcoming Project.
Vocabulary List:
- Neurons (noun): Nerve cells that are the basic building blocks of the nervous system.
- Labeling (noun): The process of attaching a tag or marker to something for identification or classification.
- Observation (noun): The action or process of observing something or someone carefully in order to gain information.
- Monitoring (noun): The act of observing and checking the progress or quality of something over a period of time.
- Deterioration (noun): The process of becoming progressively worse.
- Fluorescent (adjective): Having or showing fluorescence.
