Domestic researchers have identified the structure and mechanism of SNARE proteins, or Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptors, that play a key role in neurotransmission in the brain.

A team led by Professor Yoon Tae-young at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) said on Thursday that the researchers measured the physical changes of SNARE proteins down to the level of nanometers and found a previously unknown structure in the middle.

The researchers have confirmed that the structure is involved in controlling the movements of neurotransmitters in brain cells.

Their findings are expected to help develop new treatments for degenerative brain diseases and neurological diseases.

The findings appeared on the April 16th issue of Nature Communications.