Mild traumatic brain injury induces memory deficits with alteration of gene expression profile

Repeated mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI), the most common type of traumatic brain injuries, can result in neurological dysfunction and cognitive deficits. However, the molecular mechanisms and the long-term consequence of rmTBI remain elusive. In this study, we developed a modified rmTBI mouse model and found that rmTBI-induced transient neurological deficits and persistent impairments of spatial memory function. Furthermore, rmTBI mice had long-lasting detrimental effect on cognitive function, exhibiting memory deficits even 12 weeks after rmTBI. Microarray analysis of whole genome gene expression showed that rmTBI significantly altered the expression level of 87 genes which are involved in apoptosis, stress response, metabolism, and synaptic plasticity. The results indicate the potential mechanism underlying rmTBI-induced acute neurological deficits and its chronic effect on memory impairments. This study suggests that long-term monitoring and interventions for rmTBI individuals are essential for memory function recovery and reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.