Seoul, South Korea – A groundbreaking development in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases has emerged with the creation of NeuM, a revolutionary neuron labeling technology. This innovative tool allows for precise labeling and high-resolution imaging of neuronal membranes, enabling in-depth analysis of neuron structures and their changes over time. With the promise of advancing research and therapy for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, NeuM offers hope for progress in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.
Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke pose significant challenges due to the dysfunction and gradual deterioration of neurons. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these conditions and developing effective treatments requires advanced labeling technologies that can visualize neuronal changes in both healthy and diseased states.
Led by Dr. Kim Yun Kyung from the Brain Science Institute at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), a research team in collaboration with Professor Chang Young-Tae’s team from Pohang University of Science and Technology has introduced NeuM. This next-generation neuron labeling technology selectively targets neuronal membranes, allowing for real-time monitoring of neuronal changes and visualization of neuronal structures.
NeuM stands out for its ability to bind to neuronal membranes with exceptional affinity, facilitating long-term tracking and high-resolution imaging of neurons. By using fluorescent probes that bind to neuronal membranes in living cells, NeuM emits fluorescent signals under specific wavelengths of light, enabling detailed observation of neuronal structures and precise monitoring of neuronal interactions and differentiation.
Unlike existing gene-based and antibody-based labeling technologies, NeuM excels in selectively staining cell membranes in living neurons through endocytosis. This technology exhibits selective reactivity towards living cells, excluding dead cells without internalization. Moreover, the research team has extended the observation time of neurons from 6 hours to up to 72 hours, enabling dynamic tracking of changes in living neurons over an extended period.
With the potential to shed light on research and therapy development for degenerative neurological diseases, NeuM offers new possibilities in the understanding and treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s. The precise observation of neuronal changes can enhance the evaluation of therapeutic compounds, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of degenerative brain disorders.
Dr. Kim expressed optimism about the future applications of NeuM, highlighting its ability to distinguish between aging and degenerating neurons. He emphasized the importance of NeuM as a crucial tool in unraveling the complexities of degenerative brain disorders and developing effective treatments. Looking ahead, the research team plans to further refine NeuM for even more precise analysis of neurons by designing fluorescence wavelengths to differentiate between colors such as green and red.