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Korean Society for Bioinformatics (한국생명정보학회)
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Cholesterol, Statins, and Brain Function: A Hypothesis from a Molecular Perspective

  • Shin, Yeon-Kyun (Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, POSTECH, Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University)
  • Published : 2009.03.31
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Abstract

There is evidence that cholesterol in the brain plays an important role in the neurotransmitter release. A decrease of the cholesterol level severely hampers the activity of the membrane fusion machinery, thereby inhibiting the release. Meanwhile, the results from several clinical studies suggest that a low cholesterol level is linked to the dysfunction of some brain activities. Because the neurotransmitter release underlies the basic brain function, the combined results lead to a testable hypothesis that the cholesterol-lowering drugs may inhibit the neurotransmitter release at the synapse. Such inhibition of the release could result in impaired brain function for a limited group of people. A molecular basis for the hypothesis is discussed.

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References

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