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Published on: March 23, 2011
Neural Protein Synthesis during Aging: Effects on Plasticity and Memory
Lesley A Schimanski1, Carol A Barnes
1Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute and Division of Neural Systems, Memory and Aging, Arizona Research Laboratories, University of Arizona Tucson, AZ, USA.
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
|August 31, 2010
Summary
Aging impairs memory due to reduced protein synthesis needed for long-term memory encoding. Targeting protein synthesis pathways may improve cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in older animals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Cognitive decline, including memory loss, is common during aging.
- Long-term memory encoding relies on new protein synthesis, which declines with age.
- Altered protein synthesis regulation may underlie age-related memory deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between protein synthesis regulation and age-related memory impairments.
- To explore how changes in synaptic plasticity contribute to cognitive decline in aging.
Main Methods:
- Examining the duration of protein synthesis requirement for long-term memory in aged rodents.
- Assessing synaptic activity and pharmacological activation effects on protein synthesis and synaptic transmission in young and aged rodents.
- Analyzing place field properties in awake and behaving aged rats.
Main Results:
- Protein synthesis is required for a longer duration to form long-term memories in aged rodents.
- Synaptic activity or pharmacological activation can induce protein synthesis and lasting synaptic changes in aged rodents under specific conditions.
- Altered place field properties in aged rats correlate with changes in neural plasticity.
Conclusions:
- Evidence strongly suggests a connection between memory loss and protein synthesis regulation during senescence.
- Pharmaceuticals targeting protein synthesis pathways have shown promise in improving memory and synaptic plasticity in aged animals.
- Further understanding of age-related protein expression patterns is crucial for developing effective memory loss therapeutics.
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