Scientists just flipped the switch on what they thought was dead brain tissue, discovering that a “dormant” protein has been secretly orchestrating our thoughts, memories, and mental health all along.

Story Snapshot

• Johns Hopkins researchers discovered that delta-type glutamate receptors, long thought inactive, actually function as powerful ion channels controlling brain communication
• These proteins regulate synapse formation and electrical signaling, with their malfunction linked to anxiety, schizophrenia, and movement disorders
• The breakthrough opens pathways for targeted therapies that could boost or block protein activity based on specific conditions
• Advanced cryo-electron microscopy revealed the protein’s true structure, overturning decades of assumptions about brain function

The Protein That Fooled Science for Decades

Delta-type ionotropic glutamate receptors fooled neuroscientists for years. These proteins appeared dormant under laboratory conditions, leading researchers to dismiss them as evolutionary leftovers with no real function. Edward Twomey, assistant professor of biophysics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, refused to accept this explanation. His team’s investigation using cryo-electron microscopy revealed that GluDs actively facilitate charged particle movement across brain cells, directly contradicting decades of scientific consensus.

The revelation transforms our understanding of brain communication networks. GluDs don’t just exist passively in neural tissue—they actively regulate how neurons form connections and transmit electrical signals. This discovery explains why mutations in these proteins consistently appear in patients with psychiatric disorders and movement problems, despite their supposed inactivity.

A “dormant” brain protein turns out to be a powerful switch

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have uncovered a surprising new way to influence brain activity by targeting a long-mysterious class of proteins linked to anxiety, schizophrenia, and movement disorders. Once thought to be…

— The Something Guy 🇿🇦 (@thesomethingguy) January 19, 2026

From Psychiatric Puzzles to Therapeutic Targets

The protein’s dual nature creates fascinating treatment possibilities. In cerebellar ataxia, a condition causing coordination problems, GluDs become hyperactive and need to be blocked. Conversely, in schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, these proteins show reduced activity and require enhancement. This opposing behavior pattern gives doctors precise intervention points for developing targeted medications.

Twomey explains the therapeutic potential: “This class of protein has long been thought to be sitting dormant, but they are very much active and offer a potential channel to develop new therapies.” His team plans collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to explore mutation-specific treatments. The approach represents a shift from broad-spectrum psychiatric medications to precision treatments that address specific protein malfunctions.

The Switch That Controls Learning and Memory

GluDs directly regulate synapses, the critical connections where learning and memory formation occur. As we age, synapse function naturally declines, contributing to memory loss and cognitive difficulties. The newly understood role of these proteins suggests they could become targets for maintaining brain function in older adults, potentially slowing age-related mental decline.

Johns Hopkins filed a patent on techniques to measure GluD electrical currents, positioning the institution to capitalize on future drug development. The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations, demonstrates how public investment in basic science can yield unexpected breakthroughs with commercial applications. The findings were published in Nature, lending credibility to claims that could reshape neuroscience research priorities.

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Sources:

A “dormant” brain protein turns out to be a powerful switch – ScienceDaily
Exploring mutations that spontaneously activate a key brain protein – Phys.org