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Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery related to long term memories. This discovery helps us understand how memories stay stable for a long time. The study was published in the journal Science Advances. It shows the important role of a molecule called KIBRA. KIBRA helps keep long-term memories stable by maintaining the strength of synapses.
Synapses are the connections between nerve cells in the brain. By keeping these connections strong, KIBRA ensures that memories persist. This is true even when cells in the brain change over time.
Synaptic Stability Challenge
Neuroscientists have long been puzzled by the challenge of synaptic stability. Neurons store information in memory as patterns of strong and weak synapses. Synapses are the connections between neurons. These patterns determine how neural networks connect and function. However, the molecules in these synapses are unstable. They constantly move around and get replaced within hours or days. This raises a fundamental question: How can memories stay stable for years or even decades?
The researchers conducted a study with laboratory mice. They focused on the role of KIBRA. KIBRA is a protein found in the kidney and brain. It is linked to both good and bad memory in humans. They explored KIBRA’s interactions with another crucial molecule for memory formation, the protein kinase Mzeta (PKMzeta).
The experiments showed that KIBRA acts like a constant marker at the synapses. Synapses are the connections between nerve cells. KIBRA is like molecular glue. It sticks to strong synapses. It also binds to PKMzeta, a protein involved in memory. This enables the synapses to sustain their strength despite the constant replacement of the underlying molecules.
Keeping Synapses Strong
Professor Todd Sacktor from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University explained the findings. When we activate synapses involved in memory formation, KIBRA goes to these synapses. Then, PKMzeta attaches to KIBRA and keeps those synapses strong. This process helps the synapses remain stable. As a result, the enzyme PKMzeta stays attached and strengthens the synapses.
Closing Remarks
This groundbreaking discovery explains how memories stay stable over time. It answers a fundamental question in neuroscience. Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system. In the past, scientists tried to understand how long-term memories are stored by looking at single molecules. Molecules are tiny particles that make up everything around us. Professor André Fenton from New York University says this study shows how these molecules work together. They help to store memories forever. Molecules are tiny particles that make up everything around us. They hold information that helps our brain remember things. The study found that these tiny particles can keep memories safe for a very long time.
The researchers believe that understanding how molecules affect memory will help treat memory disorders. Knowing how our memories form and stay strong could lead to new treatments. Professor Sacktor says a better grasp of these processes will guide future efforts to solve memory problems.
This amazing study has found an important part of how long-term memories work in our brains. This helps us understand the biology behind these memories better. It also creates new chances for more research and possible treatments.
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