Salk scientists discover a single protein that energizes
both muscles and the brain
(April 7, 2015) Just
as some people seem built to run marathons and have an easier time going for
miles without tiring, others are born with a knack for memorizing things, from
times tables to trivia facts. These two skills–running and memorizing–are not
so different as it turns out.
Salk scientists and collaborators have discovered that
physical and mental activities rely on a single metabolic protein that controls
the flow of blood and nutrients throughout the body, as reported in the journal
Cell Metabolism. The new study could point to potential treatments in
regenerative and developmental medicine as well as ways to address defects in
learning and memory.