Scientists watch glowing molecules form memories in real time For the first time ever, neuroscientists have observed memory-forming molecules travel around the brain of a living animal. The unprecedented breakthrough is shedding light on how nerve cells make memories. Prior to being able to recall — or more accurately, reconstruct — a memory, it has to be encoded and stored in the brain. Its a complicated and dynamic process involving changes to molecular structures which alter synaptic transmissions between neurons. But watching this process in action is easier said than done.As they observr this, the scientists realized that mRNA in neurons have an ingenious and never-before-seen strategy for controlling how memory-forming proteins do their job. Its a novel process they describe as masking and unmasking — a process allowing beta-actin protein to be synthesized at specific times and places and in specific amounts. This observation that neurons selectively activate protein synthesis and then shut it off fits perfectly with how we think memories are made, noted lead researcher Robert Singer in a statement. Frequent stimulation of the neuron would make mRNA available in frequent, controlled bursts, causing beta-actin protein to accumulate precisely where its needed to strengthen the synapse. Its noteworthy that we were able to develop this mouse without having to use an artificial gene or other interventions that might have disrupted neurons and called our findings into question, said Singer.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 04:14:23 +0000
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