Enzyme enhances, erases rat’s long-term memories
March 6th, 2011 - 5:26 pm ICT by IANSWashington, March 6 (IANS) A brain enzyme can enhance or erase memory in rats long after it has formed, according to a new study.
“Our study is the first to demonstrate that…in the context of a functioning brain…, single molecule PKMzeta is both necessary and sufficient for maintaining long-term memory,” says Todd Sacktor of the State University of New York Health Science Centre.
Unlike other recently discovered approaches to memory enhancement, the PKMzeta mechanism appears to work any time, the journal Science reports.
Earlier, Sacktor’s team showed that even weeks after rats learned to link a nauseating sensation with saccharin and shunned the sweet taste, their sweet tooth returned within a couple of hours, according to a State University statement.
It was possible only after rats received a chemical that blocked PKMzeta in the brain’s outer mantle, or neocortex, where long-term memories are stored.
These effects applied generally to multiple memories stored in the targeted brain area - raising questions about how specific memories might be targeted in any future therapeutic application.
The researchers turned up a clue that may hold the beginning of an answer.
- Study finds enzyme that gives rats better long-term memories - Mar 04, 2011
- Nerve cell memory holds key erasing pain - Feb 14, 2012
- Star-shaped brain cells 'essential for making long-term memories' - Mar 04, 2011
- Mechanism behind memory formation during sleep uncovered - Sep 16, 2009
- Scientists find protein that boosts memory, prevents forgetfulness - Feb 03, 2011
- Can traumatic memories be erased? - Apr 28, 2011
- Potential therapeutic target for improving long-term memory identified - Jan 27, 2011
- Unwanted memories and addictions may be erased without harming other brain functions - Dec 24, 2008
- Pleasurable activities like food, sex cut stress: study - Nov 11, 2010
- A pill to erase painful memories in offing - Nov 23, 2010
- Scientists discover way to reduce traumatic memories - Apr 28, 2011
- Scientists identify another necessary step in memory formation - Sep 09, 2009
- Become a child again to erase bad memories forever - Dec 10, 2010
- Bingeing on soda, sweets makes you a dim wit - May 16, 2012
- Emotions linger despite memory loss - Apr 13, 2010
Tags: brain area, brain enzyme, clue, health science centre, journal science, long term memory, mantle, memory enhancement, molecule, neocortex, new york health, rats, saccharin, sensation, state university of new york, sweet taste, sweet tooth, term memories, therapeutic application