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Cognition enhancement strategies.

James A Bibb1, Mark R Mayford, Joe Z Tsien

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA. james.bibb@utsouthwestern.edu

The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
|November 12, 2010
PubMed
Summary

New insights into the molecular basis of cognition reveal how activity-dependent gene expression and protein synthesis form memory circuits. Targeting molecular pathways, like NMDA receptors, shows promise for treating cognitive deficits in various diseases.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Cognitive deficits are common in mental, neurodegenerative, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Advances in technology are illuminating the molecular underpinnings of cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms of cognition.
  • To highlight the development of treatments for cognitive disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Discussed activity-dependent changes in gene expression and protein synthesis.
  • Introduced a neuronal activity-dependent molecular tagging system for studying memory circuit formation.
  • Reviewed regulation of protein translation, degradation, cytoskeletal dynamics, extracellular matrix interactions, second messenger signaling, and receptor trafficking.

Main Results:

  • Memory circuit formation involves the integration of gene expression and protein synthesis with synapse selection.
  • Molecular tagging systems offer new tools for cognitive research.
  • Synaptic remodeling is crucial for cognition and involves multiple molecular processes.

Conclusions:

  • Selective targeting of molecular effectors, such as NMDA receptors, presents a viable strategy for treating cognitive deficits.
  • Understanding molecular mechanisms is key to developing effective therapies for cognitive impairments.