Israeli Breakthrough: Claustrum’s Role in Alertness and Impulse Control Revealed

Israeli researchers uncovered the claustrum's integral role in controlling alertness and impulse control. This discovery holds potential for treating ADHD, addiction, and schizophrenia. The study, conducted by Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University, showed how claustrum neuron activity influences sensory responsiveness and engagement, highlighting its impact on brain processes.

Tel Aviv [Israel], July 14 (ANI/TPS): Groundbreaking research by Israeli scientists has unveiled a specific brain region's pivotal function in managing alertness levels, shedding light on the enigmatic claustrum. This discovery opens new avenues for treating disorders marked by poor impulse control, such as ADHD, drug addiction, and schizophrenia.

The claustrum, despite its size, acts as a critical hub linking numerous brain regions. Its deep position within the brain's white matter has previously complicated efforts to understand its role. Researchers have now proposed that the claustrum helps coordinate brain regions to create unified perceptual experiences, aiding attention and sensory integration. A study from Hebrew University suggests it modulates engagement and responsiveness from sleep to wakefulness.

Led by Professor Ami Citri and Dr. Gal Atlan, along with Prof. Yuval Nir from Tel Aviv University, the team investigated claustrum neuron activity in mice during attention-intensive tasks. They found increased neuron activity reduced sensory responsiveness and impulsivity, supporting uninterrupted sleep. Published in Nature Communications, the study shows how claustrum neurons act as gatekeepers of engagement, affecting perception and action. Enhancing claustrum activity reduced impulsive errors and sensitivity to sensory stimulation, emphasizing its regulatory function across arousal states.

Professor Citri noted that the findings advance understanding of the claustrum's role in brain functions and offer insights into addressing attention disorders and sleep issues. The study indicates that the claustrum's regulation of sensory responsiveness and alertness could pave the way for new treatments for attention-related disorders, OCD, schizophrenia, and addiction.

(With inputs from agencies.)