Context: Recently, the scientists from Raman Research Institute (RRI) have found out that spectrin present in the axons act as ‘shock absorbers’.
Key Points

• The Raman Research Institute (RRI) has partnered with IISER Pune and Paris Diderot University to study about Spectrin.
• Spectrins are flexible rod-shaped molecules which act as ‘shock absorbers’ to protect axons from stretch-induced damage.
• The study can help in understanding and treatment of concussion from head injuries as well as stretch-induced nerve injuries.
• Axons are long tubular extensions of nerve cells that transmit electrical signals across long distances and can be up to a meter long in the case of humans.
• Axons in the brain too undergo significant deformations, even during normal activities like jumping.
• Spectrin is the major component of the protein network, which covers the cytoplasmic surface of vertebrate erythrocyte membranes.
• Spectrin is a large cytoskeletal protein that is found on the inner cell membrane of red blood cells and that functions especially in maintaining cell shape.