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Pomona
College Professor Makes Groundbreaking Discovery of
Molecular Mechanism Behind Learning and Memory
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Scientists understand that for learning and
memory to take place, certain synapses must be strengthened.
But exactly how this takes place has remained a mystery.
Pomona College Professor Karl Johnson is the lead author of a ground-breaking paper, to
be published in the February 16 issue of
Neuron,
announcing the discovery of a novel molecular mechanism that
controls synapse strength, which may be a key regulator of
learning and memory.
Led by Johnson, the research team discovered that the
Drosophila herapan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) Syndecan (Sdc)
and Dallylike (Dip) control distinct aspects of synaptic
biology. While Sdc and Dip both act by binding the receptor
molecule LAR, Sdc-LAR interactions increase synaptic
strength, while Dlp-LAR interactions weaken synapses.
The discovery is important because these genes are highly
conserved throughout evolution. Humans, for example, have
three versions of LAR and four versions of Sdc. The larger
question is how memory takes place in humans at the
molecular level, and there is some evidence that the same
molecular process is at work.
Sdc and LAR are both present in the hippocampus of
vertebrate brains. Evidence has been found that mutations in
LAR in vertebrates (e.g. mice) cause memory deficits.
This newest discovery, along with previous research,
indicates that these three genes are a potent mechanism for
synapse strengthening and weakening and are likely to serve
as the molecular building blocks for learning and memory.
The Neuron article is titled "The HSPGs Syndecan and
Dallylike Bind the Receptor Phosphatase LAR and Exert
Distinct Effects on Synaptic Development.”
Karl Johnson is the Sarah Rempel and Herbert S. Rempel
Professor of Neuroscience and assistant professor of biology
at Pomona College. |
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