Korean Scientists Discover How Stress Alters the Brain and Triggers Depression
Scientists at South Korea’s Institute for Basic Science have uncovered how chronic stress alters brain function and contributes to depression. The research team, led by Director Lee Chang-joon and Research Fellow Lee Bo-young, focused on the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for regulating emotion and motivation.
Their study found that prolonged stress disrupts a process called glycosylation, in which sugar chains attach to proteins to regulate their stability and function. In stressed mice, this process weakened due to a decrease in the enzyme ST3GAL1, which transfers sugars to proteins. Without sufficient ST3GAL1, brain proteins became unstable.
When scientists blocked the enzyme in healthy mice, the animals developed depression-like behaviors, including anxiety and loss of interest. Increasing the enzyme in stressed mice, however, reduced these symptoms.
The findings suggest that disruptions in protein sugar regulation may be as crucial as serotonin imbalances in causing depression. Because current antidepressants primarily target serotonin, the study could open new directions for treatment.
Dr. Lee said the discovery reveals how stress changes the brain at a molecular level, offering potential pathways for more effective therapies. The research was published in Science Advances.
J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1761789119/1613368089
1. What happened when scientists blocked the enzyme in healthy mice?
2. How did increasing the enzyme affect stressed mice?
3. What does the study suggest about the cause of depression?
4. Why might this discovery lead to new treatments for depression?
1. Have you ever felt stressed and noticed it affected your mood or focus?
2. How do you usually deal with stress when school or life feels hard?
3. Do you think scientists studying the brain can really help people with depression?
4. Would you like to learn more about how the brain controls emotions?
Scientists at South Korea’s Institute for Basic Science have uncovered how chronic stress alters brain function and contributes to depression. The research team, led by Director Lee Chang-joon and Research Fellow Lee Bo-young, focused on the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for regulating emotion and motivation.
