What Makes Memories Last
Stowers researchers identify protein that initiates the formation of stable, long-term memories
Prions can be notoriously destructive, spurring proteins to misfold and interfere with cellular function as they spread without control. New research, published in the open access journal PLOS Biology on February 11 2014, from scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals that certain prion-like proteins, however, can be precisely controlled so that they are generated only in a specific time and place. These prion-like proteins are not involved in disease processes; rather, they are essential for creating and maintaining long-term memories.
Source and further reading:
http://www.stowers.org/media/news/feb-12-2014
Reference:
http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pbio.1001786
Image: Nicolle Rager Fuller, Sayo-Art
Fruit flies have co-opted a self-sustaining prion switch as a key mechanism for the persistence of memories. When TOB (shown in green) binds to Orb2A (shown in red), it triggers Orb2A conversion to a stable prion state (shown in yellow). Orb2A's activity is tightly controlled through its interaction with TOB, which is triggered by incoming nerve signals.
How many fly brains would fit into a human brain ?
ReplyDeleteWell if human brains would think as fast as a fly can smell perhaps we wouldn't have to ask that question ;)
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