The team from Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) said the next-generation technology, named 'NUM' (neuronal membrane-selective), enables successful monitoring of neuronal changes for up to 72 hours.
NeuM works by "selectively labeling neuronal membranes, visualizing neuronal structures, and allowing real-time monitoring of neuronal changes".
The researchers explained that it is important to visualize neuronal changes during the disease and under normal conditions.
This is because the structure and function of nerve cells constantly change as they transmit information from sensory organs to the brain.
While selectively labeling living neurons is essential for real-time monitoring, current gene-based and antibody-based labeling technologies suffer from low accuracy and difficulty in long-term tracking.
The novel, developed through molecular design of neuronal cells, is likely to be the solution.
The technology “comes with excellent binding affinity for neuronal membranes that enables long-term tracking and high-resolution imaging of neurons,” the researchers said.
"NEUM can distinguish aging and degenerated neurons, which also becomes important in elucidating the mechanisms of degenerative brain disorders and developing treatments," said Dr. Kim Yoon Kyung of the Brain Science Institute at KIST.
"In the future, we plan to refine Num for even more precise analysis of neurons by designing fluorescence wavelengths to distinguish colors such as green and red," he said.
NeuM works by "selectively labeling neuronal membranes, visualizing neuronal structures, and allowing real-time monitoring of neuronal changes".
The researchers explained that it is important to visualize neuronal changes during the disease and under normal conditions.
This is because the structure and function of nerve cells constantly change as they transmit information from sensory organs to the brain.
While selectively labeling living neurons is essential for real-time monitoring, current gene-based and antibody-based labeling technologies suffer from low accuracy and difficulty in long-term tracking.
The novel, developed through molecular design of neuronal cells, is likely to be the solution.
The technology “comes with excellent binding affinity for neuronal membranes that enables long-term tracking and high-resolution imaging of neurons,” the researchers said.
"NEUM can distinguish aging and degenerated neurons, which also becomes important in elucidating the mechanisms of degenerative brain disorders and developing treatments," said Dr. Kim Yoon Kyung of the Brain Science Institute at KIST.
"In the future, we plan to refine Num for even more precise analysis of neurons by designing fluorescence wavelengths to distinguish colors such as green and red," he said.
