Scientists discover memory ‘switch’
Korean scientists said yesterday that they have found a gene that can act as a “switch” to enhance human memory.The team, led by Kim Sang-jeong and Kim Jun from the Department of Physiology at Seoul National University, showed that the metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1, or mGluR1, protein affects both ordinary memory and that related to motor functions, such as playing musical instruments.
Human memory is formed by repeated interchange of signals or stimulus between neurons and synapses, with mGluR1 playing a key role in linking the two. Sensory memory is controlled by the long-term synaptic potentiation process.
“Tests have shown that artificial removal of the mGluR1 in animals has adversely affected their ability to remember,” said Kim Sang-jeong.
Yonhap
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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