Discovery of cell linked to learning and memory
Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) neuroscientists at The University of
Queensland have discovered a fundamental component of the process
that regulates memory formation.
QBI Director Professor Perry Bartlett said the discovery explains,
for the first time, how new nerve cells form in an area of the brain
associated with learning and memory – which is known to deteriorate
in people with stroke and dementia.
"The hippocampus is the region of the brain involved in important
brain functions such as learning and memory and loss of neuronal
production in the hippocampus is associated with a range of
neurodegenerative conditions, and is particularly evident in ageing
dementia." Professor Bartlett said.
"Surprisingly, however, studies have so far failed to identify a
resident stem cell population in the hippocampus that's capable of
providing the renewable source of these essential nerve cells."
Research by Professor Bartlett and his QBI colleague Dr Tara Walker –
which features on this week's front cover of the Journal of
Neuroscience (May 14) – has identified the resident stem cell in the
hippocampus and, even more importantly, has discovered how it can be
activated to produce new neurons.
According to Dr Walker, an understanding of the activation process
should enable the development of therapeutics that can stimulate the
production of new neurons and reverse or prevent the cognitive
decline that occurs during ageing dementia.
"These significant advances in determining the molecular regulation
of nerve production will also have a major impact on our
understanding of more complex areas such as behaviour, cognition,
neurological disease and mental illness," she said.
###
Established in 2003, QBI is dedicated to understanding the molecular
basis of brain function and applying this knowledge to the
development of new therapeutics to treat brain and mental health
disorders.
QBI was established as part of the Queensland Government's Smart
State Initiative, with the generous support of the Atlantic
Philanthropies.
Public release date: 14-May-2008
Contact: Ron Hohenhaus
r.hohen@uq.edu.
61-733-466-414
Research Australia
http://www.eurekale
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StemCells subscribers may also be interested in these sites:
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
http://www.CNSfoundation.org/
Cord Blood Registry
http://www.CordBlood.com/at.cgi?a=150123
The CNS Healing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNS_Healing
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