A research team led by Yonsei Chemistry Professor Ko Jae-won has discovered a new regulatory mechanism in the development of excitatory synapses, structures which allow for neural communication. The mechanism is called Leucine-Rich Repeat (LLR), and it is believed to be relevant in brain disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. The results of the research were published January 15 in the prestigious journal Cell Reports. According to Professor Ko, the research should be useful for subsequent studies concerning a number of different neural disorders.