TimmyHNew Ways to Boost Memory
December 12th 2008 23:40
Enhancing neuron gene expression may improve memory.
Scientists are developing new ways to selectively boost gene expression in the brain, in the hope of treating psychiatric and neurological disease. A growing pool of evidence shows that compounds that target this mechanism can improve learning and memory in rodents. But existing drugs, which were not developed for this purpose, are relatively weak and unselective, and their long-term safety is not yet clear.
Over the past few years, neuroscientists have begun to recognize the importance of epigenetics--molecular processes that change the expression of genes without altering DNA--in the brain, and in memory in particular. One of the key regulators of epigenetics is a group of enzymes known as histone deacetylases (HDACs), which trigger DNA to wind more tightly around neighboring proteins, ultimately dampening gene expression. Recent studies have shown that existing drugs that inhibit these enzymes can enhance learning in both normal mice and those that are cognitively impaired.
"I think the implication for human disease is really exciting," says Li-Huei Tsai, a neuroscientist at MIT. Last year, Tsai's group showed that giving brain-damaged mice an HDAC inhibitor allowed them to recall lost memories.
EnVivo Pharmaceuticals, a drug company based in Watertown, MA, is developing HDAC inhibitors that are more potent than existing ones and can easily enter the brain. (Valproic acid, for example, a drug used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder and currently being tested for cancer, is a relatively weak inhibitor.) According to results presented at a neuroscience conference last month, the company's lead HDAC inhibitor can enhance both short- and long-term memory in mice. The company hopes to test the drug in the next year, says Michael Ahlijanian, vice president of research at EnVivo.
By Emily Singer
Really Long Link
Scientists are developing new ways to selectively boost gene expression in the brain, in the hope of treating psychiatric and neurological disease. A growing pool of evidence shows that compounds that target this mechanism can improve learning and memory in rodents. But existing drugs, which were not developed for this purpose, are relatively weak and unselective, and their long-term safety is not yet clear.
Memory boosters: Li-Huei Tsai, a neuroscientist at MIT, is developing new ways to target gene expression in the brain, in the hope of improving memory. Credit: MIT Press
"I think the implication for human disease is really exciting," says Li-Huei Tsai, a neuroscientist at MIT. Last year, Tsai's group showed that giving brain-damaged mice an HDAC inhibitor allowed them to recall lost memories.
EnVivo Pharmaceuticals, a drug company based in Watertown, MA, is developing HDAC inhibitors that are more potent than existing ones and can easily enter the brain. (Valproic acid, for example, a drug used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder and currently being tested for cancer, is a relatively weak inhibitor.) According to results presented at a neuroscience conference last month, the company's lead HDAC inhibitor can enhance both short- and long-term memory in mice. The company hopes to test the drug in the next year, says Michael Ahlijanian, vice president of research at EnVivo.
By Emily Singer
Really Long Link
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