A recent study explored how cypin (complicated name: cytosolic PSD-95 interactor) helps with learning and memory, suggesting it may play a potential role in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Tiny protein, but big impact. Worldwide, the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias increased by 147.95% and 160.84% from 1990 to 2019. Women have higher rates, but the increase is more pronounced in men (Li et al., 2022). Let’s explore what cypin is, its role in the nervous system, and the insights this new research provides.
Image 1 
Image 2 
Image 3 What is Cypin?
Imagine cypin as a project manager of your brain as it remodels neural circuits and keeps the neurons active and kicking. It is mostly present in the cytoplasm of neurons, and has its ‘hands’ in many areas, such as:
- neuronal development,
- microtubule assembly,
- dendrite patterning,
- synaptic function,
- guanine deaminase activity.
Cytosolic PSD-95 interactor - what does it mean?
In the world of science, one molecule orchestrates a few processes, but usually one of them stands out. For cypin, that is interaction with PSD-95.
Now, what is PSD-95?
PSD-95 is a key scaffolding protein at excitatory synapses in the brain. So it is found at places where nerve cells communicate with each other (synapses) and keeps everything organized.
The cytosolic part basically just refers to its presence in the cytosol.
Previous studies on Cypin
A study published in Neurobiology of Disease, 2018, investigated the role of cypin in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers identified small molecules that activate or inhibit cypin's guanine deaminase activity.
They found that activating cypin protected hippocampal neurons from NMDA-induced injury.
NMDA-induced injury is brain cell damage that happens when NMDA receptors are overstimulated, usually by too much glutamate. This overactivation lets in too much calcium, which can kill or damage neurons.
Administering activators directly into the brain one hour after TBI in mice significantly reduced memory deficits five days post-injury.
Conversely, inhibiting cypin did not improve outcomes after TBI.
These findings suggest that cypin activation could be a novel therapeutic approach to improve recovery after TBI.
Is there more?
A 2021 study showed that when cypin is present in higher amounts, it changes how AMPA receptors (important for fast brain signals) work. This happens even without help from another common brain protein, PSD-95 (Rodriguez et al., 2021).
What does this mean?
Cypin helps brain cells fire more often and communicate in new ways, which could be important for learning, memory, or even treating brain disorders.
What does the new study show?
Cypin might be small, but its role in synapses piques curiosity in the neuroscience world.
A recent study published by researchers at Rutgers University found that cypin binds to the proteasome and slows the degradation of synaptic proteins, resulting in a buildup of essential molecules at the synapse.
This accumulation improves synaptic function and supports neuronal communication, which is a key mechanism underlying memory retention.
‘’Even though this study is what we call ‘basic research,’ it eventually can be applied in practical, clinical settings.’’ said Bonnie Firestein, one of the researchers and a professor at the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience.
Medical potential: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and brain injury
Because cypin helps protect brain cells, supports memory, and improves how neurons communicate, it could one day be used in treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, and recovery after brain injuries. Scientists are especially excited about how it might slow memory loss by keeping important brain connections strong.
Cypin might be a tiny protein, but its influence on the brain is anything but small. As research continues, it may become a key player in future therapies for brain health.
Ajla Vejzović holds a master’s degree in biology. She has worked as a professor of biology, teaching IGCSE and A Level Cambridge subjects with a focus on biology and food science. Ajla continuously educates herself in the fields of life sciences, health, SEO, and content marketing. Today, she writes about biology, health, and science-based topics, so if you need this kind of content, feel free to contact her.
References
Li, X., Feng, X., Sun, X., Hou, N., Han, F., & Liu, Y. (2022). Global, regional, and national burden of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, 1990–2019. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.937486.
Swiatkowski P, Sewell E, Sweet ES, Dickson S, Swanson RA, McEwan SA, Cuccolo N, McDonnell ME, Patel MV, Varghese N, Morrison B, Reitz AB, Meaney DF, Firestein BL. Cypin: A novel target for traumatic brain injury. Neurobiol Dis. 2018 Nov;119:13-25. doi: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.07.019. Epub 2018 Jul 19. PMID: 30031156; PMCID: PMC6214165.
Rutgers University. (2025, July 10). A key role of brain protein in learning and memory is deciphered by scientists. Rutgers Today. Retrieved July 10, 2025, from https://www.rutgers.edu/news/key-role-brain-protein-learning-and-memory-deciphered-scientists
Stats
- Recommendations +1 100% positive of 1 vote(s)
- Views 424
- Comments 0
Recommended
-
Alen Piljić
Managing director | Life Science Network gGmbH
Also:
- President | Research Elements Association