A STEP in the Right Direction: Scientific Animation

This (blue) protein is STtriatal-Enriched tyrosine Phosphatase, or STEP. Increased STEP levels are found in several genetic brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, and fragile X syndrome.

Discovered by Dr. Paul Lombroso, STEP triggers the removal of receptors from the synapses of brain cells. This is part of the ordinary regulation of the synapse, but too much STEP can lead to the over-removal of receptors, impairing the brain’s ability to form new memories.

We are wrapping up a new animation that explains the activity of STEP and Dr. Lombroso’s work, which I will post here soon, but in the meantime here are a few more stills from the production.