Depression drugs breakthrough

A breakthrough by University of Auckland researchers could improve the design of drugs used to treat depression and epilepsy.

Associate Professor David Christie, of the university's school of biological sciences, said the research had deciphered how neurotransmitter transporter proteins recognise their targets such as creatine.

The discovery may allow scientists to develop new drugs to block the activity of neurotransmitter transporters in the treatment of depression and epilepsy.

Neurotransmitter transporters remove chemicals released in brain signalling and drugs prescribed for depression and epilepsy block this function.

The research also provided molecular details of how creatine is taken up by cells.

Creatine is being investigated as a potential nutritional supplement to delay the onset and progression of diseases such as Huntington's and Parkinson's.

- NZPA