New mechanism involved in learning and memory discovered by scientists

New York [US], February 10 : FMRP, a protein whose loss caused fragile X syndrome, intellectual disability, and some forms of autism, has been shown to play a key role in brain functions. It includes basic understanding about learning and memory. It helps to regulate synaptic connections between neurons. A new study has suggested that the role of this protein is more sophisticated than previously known.

The findings, published in the journal 'eLife', may yield new clues to mechanisms underlying learning and memory, intellectual dysfunction, and autism.

Looking at memory neurons in the hippocampus region of the mouse brain, Rockefeller scientists found that FMRP had two different jobs. Inside a neuron's extensions, or dendrites, it regulated proteins required for strengthening the connections with other neurons. Inside the body of the cell, however, FMRP regulated the overall state of gene expression in the neuron.

"By micro-dissecting the brain tissue, we were able show that this protein controls distinct functions at different cellular locations," said Robert B. Darnell, Rockefeller's Robert and Harriet Heilbrunn Professor and HHMI Investigator, who led the research.

The forming of every memory, or the fading of another, requires a change in the strength of synapses between neurons. As incoming communication reaches it in the form of an electric signal, a neuron can modify synaptic strength, for example by creating new receptors or removing old ones, an upgrade that requires it to quickly produce a slew of new proteins.

( Details and picture courtesy ANI, the content is auto-generated from feed.)

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