Neurotransmitter Protein Required for Learning
By Biotechdaily staff writers
Posted on 12 May 2004
Researchers studying the molecular mechanisms involved in learning and memory have identified a protein that is required for successful learning in mice.Posted on 12 May 2004
Investigators at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, USA) worked with three strains of mice genetically engineered to be deficient in proteins related to neurotransmission. One group lacked the presynaptic protein RIM1 alpha, a second group lacked synaptotagmin 1, while the third group was deficient in Rab3A.
The mice were tested for their ability to learn the location of an escape platform in a pool of water. Results published in the April 8, 2004, issue of Neuron showed that only the mice in the group lacking RIM1 alpha were unable to learn how to find the escape platform.
"We found that when you delete this molecule, the mice essentially become incredibly stupid,” said contributing author Dr. Thomas Südhof, director of the Center for Basic Neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
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U. Texas Southwestern Medical Center
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