Scientists Discover Brain Inflammation Inhibitor from Dokdo Microbes
- Yul So
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Mar 16, 2026
Yul So
Researchers in South Korea have identified a new natural compound from microorganisms living in the soil of Dokdo that may help reduce inflammation in the brain. The compound, named Dokdothiocin, was discovered by scientists from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology.
Dokdothiocin has a distinctive molecular structure in which 29 atoms form a ring-shaped arrangement. Because of its unusual design, the research team wanted to determine whether the compound could affect inflammatory processes in the brain. To investigate this, they combined artificial intelligence analysis with laboratory cell experiments.
Using a protein target prediction system developed by KIST, researchers first analyzed Dokdothiocin with AI technology. The system predicted that the compound could block important signaling pathways responsible for triggering inflammation in brain cells.
The team then tested the compound in cell experiments to confirm the prediction. The results showed that Dokdothiocin significantly reduced inflammatory responses in microglia, which are immune cells that protect the brain. It also suppressed the production of harmful molecules that can damage nerve cells during inflammation.
The discovery highlights the scientific value of microorganisms found in unique environments such as Dokdo. Researchers have previously identified several new natural substances from soil samples in other Korean regions, including Ulleungdo and Jeju Island.
Scientists say that combining artificial intelligence with biological experiments can accelerate the search for new drug candidates. This approach allows researchers to predict how compounds might work before conducting detailed laboratory tests.
The team believes Dokdothiocin could become a promising lead for future treatments targeting neurological inflammation and related brain diseases.
