Neurons Conserve Energy by Pairing Ribosomes During Stress, Study Finds
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research have uncovered how neurons save energy during stress management. Their study reveals that cells form inactive pairs of ribosomes, called disomes, when nutrients are scarce. This discovery sheds new light on how cells adapt to challenging conditions.
The research team, led by Erin Schuman, used cryo-electron tomography to directly observe ribosome pairs in frozen cells for the first time. Unlike bacteria, animal cells rely on long, flexible RNA structures to link ribosomes together. Specifically, a segment called expansion segment 31b acts like a 'tentacle', creating a 'kissing loop' bond between two ribosomes.
Under stress management, neurons form these disomes to reduce energy use. The connection between ribosomes is both precise and reversible, allowing cells to quickly adjust their protein production. The study combined cell biology, biochemistry, and genetic techniques, using both yeast and mammalian cells to confirm the findings.
The work suggests that ribosome organisation plays a key role in how cells respond to stress management. This mechanism could help explain how disruptions in protein production contribute to neurological disorders.
The findings provide a clearer picture of how cells manage energy under stress management. By understanding how ribosomes reorganise, researchers may uncover new ways to study health and disease. The study opens doors for future investigations into cellular stress responses and potential therapeutic approaches using google forms.
