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Updated: May 17, 2025
A Behavioral Assay for Investigating the Role of Spatial Memory During Instinctive Defense in Mice
Published on: July 21, 2018
Increasing spatial working memory in mice with Akkermansia muciniphila
Ji-Seon Ahn1, Sura Kim2, Eui-Jeong Han1
1Honam Regional Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju, 61751, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Recent research has shown the gut microbiome's impact on memory, yet limitations hinder the identification of specific microbes linked to cognitive function. We measured spatial working memory in individual mice before and after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to develop a targeted analysis that identifies memory-associated strains while minimizing host genetic effects. Transplantation of human fecal into C57BL/6 mice yielded varied outcomes: some mice showed significant improvements while others had negligible changes, indicating that these changes are due to differences in FMT colonization. Metagenomic analysis, stratified by memory performance, revealed a positive correlation between the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and improved memory. Moreover, administering two A. muciniphila strains, GMB 0476 and GMB 2066, to wild-type mice elevated spatial working memory via BDNF activation. Our findings indicate that specific gut microbes, particularly A. muciniphila, may modulate memory and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cognitive enhancement.
Insights
The gut microbiome influences memory. Researchers found that Akkermansia muciniphila abundance correlates with improved spatial working memory in mice, suggesting it as a therapeutic target for cognitive enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Emerging research highlights the gut microbiome's influence on cognitive functions, particularly memory.
- Identifying specific microbial contributors to memory remains challenging due to methodological limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific gut microbes associated with spatial working memory.
- To investigate the causal role of identified microbes in memory modulation.
- To minimize host genetic variability in microbial transplantation studies.
Main Methods:
- Spatial working memory was assessed in mice before and after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
- Human fecal microbiota was transplanted into C57BL/6 mice.
- Metagenomic sequencing and correlation analyses were performed, stratified by memory performance.
- Specific Akkermansia muciniphila strains were administered to wild-type mice.
Main Results:
- Fecal microbiota transplantation outcomes varied, indicating differential colonization.
- A higher abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila was positively correlated with improved spatial working memory.
- Administration of A. muciniphila strains GMB 0476 and GMB 2066 enhanced spatial working memory.
- Enhanced memory was associated with BDNF activation.
Conclusions:
- Specific gut bacteria, notably Akkermansia muciniphila, can positively modulate memory.
- A. muciniphila strains show potential as therapeutic targets for cognitive enhancement.
- Targeted microbial interventions may offer novel strategies for improving memory function.
