switch off a single gene in mice unlocks a part of their brain that is otherwise passive , boost learning and memory . The same factor seems to dish up a standardized purpose in humans , creating hope that humans could enjoy similar benefits .
The RGS14 gene has been the subject of vivid examination by investigator since its find ten years ago . A study last yearsuggested increase RGS14 horizontal surface could greatly help recollection , but pharmacologist John Hepler and his colleagues at Emory University are so convinced the cistron is hold mice ’s mind back that they ’ve nickname it the “ Homer Simpson gene . ” ( This is of course whole unlike fromthe Simpson gene , which causes a process of dumbening in Simpson male person . )
http://io9.com/5306489/a-drug-that-could-give-you-perfect-visual-memory
The protein create by RGS14 is call up to be important to serve various signaling demand to create memory . RGS14 is mostly found in a part of the genus Hippocampus known as CA2 , a part of the mentality researchers still make love very little about . We know that the genus Hippocampus help consolidate learning and keep new computer storage , but the specific functions of the CA2 region in particular has remained a closed book .
to good sympathise what RGS14 does , Hepler ’s inquiry team disabled the RGS14 in a population of mice . They then studied how the CA2 part responded to electrical pretending in these peculiar mice . They find that the CA2 country was suddenly capable of long - term potentation , a cognitive operation by which neural connections are strengthened and thus see and computer memory founding are increase . In normal pillowcase , the CA2 region does n’t undergo this process , which means it ’s of no exercise in memory creation but does make it more immune to strokes and seizure .
But in the factor - modify mice , the CA2 region was now home to racy recollective - terminal figure potentation , and the extraneous issue were obvious . The mice were now good at remembering and recognize objects that had been placed in their cage , and they could more quickly pilot water mazes that depended on remembering optic hints .
This suggests trade off RGS14 could have outstanding benefits to cognition , but Hepler is cautious in this appraisal :
“ A big query this enquiry raises is why would we , or mouse , have a gene that makes us less smart – a Homer Simpson factor ? I believe that we are not really see the full picture . RGS14 may be a key control factor in a part of the brain that , when neglect or handicapped , knocks brain sign important for encyclopedism and memory out of Libra . ”
Still , they have yet to see any negative side - effects to deleting the gene . Besides offering some neural protection in the case of seizure or stroke , CA2 is linked to schizophrenia and certain forms of altered societal behavior , although again those links are n’t unmortgaged . The researchers are going to wait more closely for what these gene - altered mice are misplace when RGS14 is switched off , even if these effects have so far eluded detection .
Either agency , the ultimate goal of this is understandably challenging , as the researchers conceive this really could be a way of life to boost learning and memory in humans :
“ This advise that these mice may not forget thing as well as other mice , or perhaps they have castrate social behavior or sensitivity to seizures . But not needs . The pipework dream is that maybe you could discover a compound that inhibits RGS14 or shuts it down , ” he adds . “ Then , perhaps , you could enhance cognition . ”
[ legal proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences ]
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