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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A Method for Remotely Silencing Neural Activity in Rodents During Discrete Phases of Learning
Published on: June 22, 2015
Peripheral delivery of a ROCK inhibitor improves learning and working memory
Matthew J Huentelman1, Dietrich A Stephan, Joshua Talboom
1Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, USA. mhuentelman@tgen.org
Abstract:
Previously, utilizing a series of genome-wide association, brain imaging, and gene expression studies we implicated the KIBRA gene and the RhoA/ROCK pathway in hippocampal-mediated human memory. Here we show that peripheral administration of the ROCK inhibitor hydroxyfasudil improves spatial learning and working memory in the rodent model. This study supports the action of ROCK on learning and memory, suggests the potential value of ROCK inhibition for the promotion of cognition in humans, and highlights the powerful potential of unbiased genome-wide association studies to inform potential novel uses for existing pharmaceuticals.
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