Researchers have discovered a new signaling pathway in the brain that triggers migraines with aura, opening the door to potential treatments.
- Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway in the brain responsible for migraine with aura.
- They identified 12 proteins whose concentration increases during attacks. They bind to a receptor on a sensory nerve that signals pain.
- This could open the door to new treatments.
20% to 30% of migraine sufferers have headaches accompanied or preceded by an aura. That is to say, transient neurological disorders of the visual, sensory, speech or motor functions.
The origin of this disease, which can seriously disrupt daily life, has remained somewhat mysterious until now. But a new study from the University of Copenhagen has identified a signaling pathway in the brain responsible for migraine with aura. It was presented in the journal Science.
Migraine with aura: a new signaling pathway identified
By studying mice, the team demonstrated that proteins released by the brain during a migraine aura are transported with the cerebrospinal fluid to the pain signaling nerves responsible for headaches.
“The concentration of 11% of the 1,425 proteins we identified in the cerebrospinal fluid changed during migraine attacks. Among these, 12 proteins, whose concentration increased, acted as substances capable of activating sensory nerves.”explains Martin Kaag Rasmussen, first author of the study. He adds: “When the proteins are released, they are transported to the trigeminal ganglion via said signaling pathways, where they bind to a receptor on a sensory nerve signaling pain, activating the nerve and triggering the migraine attack that follows the aura symptoms.”
“This is a previously unknown signaling pathway that is important for the development of migraines, and it may also be associated with other headaches.”confirms Professor Maiken Nedergaard, a neuroscientist who supervised the study.
Migraine: Identified proteins could pave the way for treatments
The group of proteins implicated in migraine with aura by the Danish researchers included CGRP, a neuropeptide already associated with migraine and used in existing treatments. However, a series of other proteins were also highlighted that could open the door to new treatment options, the researchers say.
“We hope that the proteins we have identified – in addition to CGRP – can be used in the design of new preventive treatments for patients who do not respond to available CGRP antagonists. The next step for us is to identify the protein with the greatest potential.”concludes Martin Kaag Rasmussen in a communicated presenting the discovery.
