The formation of memory and memories still are one of the most neglected areas of human physiology. And if the mechanisms of formation of new memories you can still have some impact, the processes of “forgetting” to control not so easy. But recently, American scientists from the Medical school of Perelman at the University of Pennsylvania during a series of experiments failed to detect the enzyme responsible for long-term storage of memories. The impact on him can literally “deprived of mind”.
In the process of forming memories of the important role played by a structure called the synapse the site of connection of two neurons. As it was succeeded to learn from a series of laboratory studies, for the formation of memories necessary the expression of certain genes, which is controlled by the ACSS2 enzyme. In the process of formation of the synapse memories are reconstructed under the influence of this enzyme. The study showed that the ACSS2 enzyme influences genes associated with memory and also regulates the creation of new synaptic connections.
In laboratory experiments on mice were able to establish that the decrease in the concentration of ACSS2 contributed to “disable” the processes of remembering. Rodents were divided into 2 groups: each group showed the ball and offered to play with him. In the first group the level of ACSS2 was normal, the second this enzyme was absent. The next day, the mouse with a normal content of the enzyme showed no interest in the ball, as he saw it the day before, but those who have a level of ACSS2 was reduced, was interested in the toy as well as the first time. Experts emphasize that in case of a successful outcome of a series of tests, this approach may become very popular in medical practice. For example, for patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, which is hard to get rid of Intrusive memories of traumatic events.
Open the enzyme capable of erasing memories
Vladimir Kuznetsov