Protein May be Part of Memory Development

Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have identified a protein that plays a critical role in learning and memory formation. This protein is known as RGS7, is made primarily in the Hippocampus of the brain. The Hippocampus is used for short and long term memory. RGS7 works with R7BP to regulate a signal cascade critical to development. They regulate the creation of GABA, a naturally produced neuroinhibitor that slows down neuron firings. Mice found to be lacking in RGS7 showed extreme difficulty in learning and memorizing tasks. Treating deficiencies in RGS7 could alleviate some of the symptoms of Down Syndrome, and potentially a treatment for any kind of addiction.

NOS themes:

Science is collaborative-A team of scientists worked to discover this protein

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2014/04/22/scientists_identify_critical_new_protein_complex_involved_in_learning_and_memory.html