- Scientists from the United States and Korea discovered a key molecular mechanism behind memory linkage.
- They identified a way to restore this brain function.
- This treatment could restore memory loss in middle age.
In new research, scientists from the United States and Korea discovered a key molecular mechanism behind the memory binding and identified a way to restore this brain function in middle-aged mice, and an FDA-approved treatment, maraviroc which accomplishes the same thing.
“Our memories are a big part of who we are. The ability to link related experiences teaches how to stay safe and operate successfully in the world,” said Professor Alcino Silva, a researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.
The cells are full of receptors. To enter a cell, a molecule must attach to its corresponding receptor, which works like a doorknob to provide access to the interior.
Professor Silva and his colleagues they focused on a gene called CC chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) that encodes the CCR5 receptorthe same one where HIV hitchhikes to infect brain cells and cause memory loss in AIDS patients.
In previous research, the researchers showed that expression of CCR5 reduced memory recall.
ABOUT THE STUDY
In the current study, they discovered a central mechanism underlying the ability of mice to link their regards from two different cages.
A small microscope opened a window into the animals’ brains, allowing scientists to look at the neurons lighting up and creating new memories.
Boosting expression of the CCR5 gene in mouse brains middle-aged interfered with memory linkage. The animals forgot the connection between the two cages.
When scientists deleted the CCR5 gene in the animals, the mice were able to link memories that normal mice couldn’t.
They had previously studied a drug called maraviroc, which the US Food and Drug Administration approved in 2007 for the treatment of HIV infection.
They found that maraviroc also suppressed CCR5 in the brain of mice.
“When we gave older mice maraviroc, the drug doubled the effect of genetically removing CCR5 from their DNA,” said Professor Silva.
“The older animals were able to link memories again.”
The finding suggests that maraviroc could be used off-label to help restore memory loss in midlife, as well as reverse cognitive deficits caused by HIV infection.
“Our next step will be to organize a clinical trial to test the influence of maraviroc on early memory loss with the goal of early intervention,” said Professor Silva.
The study was published in the journal Nature.
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