The processes of formation of memory and memories are still one of the most poorly studied areas of human physiology. And if the mechanisms of formation of new memories can still have some impact, then the processes of "forgetting" to control is not so easy. But recently, an American scientist from the Perelman Medical School at the University of Pennsylvania, in a series of experiments, discovered an enzyme responsible for the long-term storage of memories. The impact on him is capable of literally "depriving the memory".
In the process of formation of memories, an important role is played by a structure called a synapse - a site of joining two neurons. As we learned from a series of laboratory studies, the formation of memories requires the expression of certain genes, which is controlled by the enzyme ACSS2. In the process of memory formation, the synapse is rebuilt under the influence of this enzyme. As the study showed, the enzyme ACSS2 affects memory-related genes, and also regulates the creation of new synaptic connections.
During laboratory experiments in mice, it was possible to establish that a decrease in the concentration of ACSS2 contributed to a "shutdown" of the memorization processes. Rodents were divided into 2 groups: each group was shown a ball and offered to play with it. In the first group, the ACSS2 level was normal, while the second group did not have this enzyme. The next day, mice with normal enzyme content showed no interest in the ball, as they saw it the day before, but those with an ACSS2 level were lowered were interested in the toy the same way as for the first time. Experts emphasize that in the case of a successful outcome of a series of tests, such an approach can become very popular in medical practice. For example, for patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, which is hard to get rid of obsessive memories of traumatic events.
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