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Scientists develop a tool that can modify memory without the help of drugs and chemicals

Researchers may now map the brain’s connections and better understand how inhibitory synapses modulate brain function. Thanks to the new tool developed by the scientists that can modify brain activity and memory in targeted ways without the help of any drugs or chemicals.

The new tool is a protein that can be encoded in animal genomes to effectively switch off their inhibitory synapses (connections between neurons) thus, increasing their electrical activity.

“It may enable us to control neural activity and lead to advancements in research for diseases or conditions ranging from schizophrenia to cocaine addiction,” said lead author Don Arnold, Professor at University of Southern California.

“GFE3 harnesses a little known and remarkable property of proteins within the brain,” Arnold said. “Rather than a cell deciding when a protein needs to be degraded, we sort of hijack the process,” Arnold explained.

For the study, published in the journal Nature Methods, the team of scientists studied the protein’s effect in both mice and zebrafish.

The researchers found that GFE3 protein triggered the neurons on the two sides of the spine to work in opposition, generating uncoordinated movements.

Drugs

could be used to inhibit inhibitory synapses in the brain, for instance benzodiazapines, which treat anxiety, insomnia or seizures.

“Unfortunately, cells that have very different, even opposite functions tend to be right next to each other in the brain,” Arnold said.

“Thus, pharmacological experiments are especially difficult to interpret. By encoding GFE3 within the genome, we can target and modulate the inhibitory synapses of specific cells without affecting other cells that have different functions,” Arnold noted.

Peace-lover, creative, smart and intelligent. Prapti is a foodie, music buff and a travelholic. After leaving a top-notch full time corporate job, she now works as an Online Editor for Biotecnika. Keen on making a mark in the scientific publishing industry, she strives to find a work-life balance. Follow her for more updates!