Newborn brain cells modulate learning ... (of TLX leads to a variety of development...)

Newborn brain cells modulate learning and memory

Date:1/30/2008

of TLX leads to a variety of developmental problems, so postdoctoral fellow and first author Chun-Li Zhang, Ph.D., had to devise a strategy that would allow them to control when to shut off the gene coding for TLX in neural stem cells kept in Petri dishes as well as in live animals. When he cultured mouse neural stem cells without the gene encoding TLX, the proliferation rate of these cells plummeted and the activity of hundreds of genes changed.

Explains Zhang, This experiment confirmed that TLX specifically induces the genetic program necessary for maintaining neural stem cells in their stem-like state, handing the Salk researchers the perfect tool to track the contribution of newborn neurons to normal brain function a question Gage is particularly interested in.

In the past, methods to knock out neurogenesis, such as radiation and mitotic inhibitors that block all cell division have been rather crude, he says. So, maybe not surprisingly the literature is riddled with contradictory results.

Adult neural stem cells continually generate new brain cells or neurons in two small areas of mammalian brains: the olfactory bulb, which processes odors, and the central part of the hippocampus, which is involved in the formation of memories and learning. Some of these newborn cells die shortly after they are born but many of them become functionally integrated into the surrounding brain tissue. Whether they live or die is regulated by the animals experience.

Combining mouse genetics and gene transfer techniques, Zhang genetically engineered mice that allowed him to specifically delete TLX in the brains of adult mice and thus shut down neurogenesis. He then put the mice through a battery of standard behavioral tests.

The mice passed with flying colors in all but one test: the Morris water maze, a common behavioral test in which mice have to rely on visual cues on the surrounding walls to find and remember the location of a subme
'/>"/>

Contact: Gina Kirchweger
kirchweger@salk.edu
858-453-4100 x1340
Salk Institute
Source:Eurekalert

1

GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related medicine news :

1. New research explores newborn in-hospital weight loss
2. Group B Strep: A Threat to Newborns That Doesnt Have to Be
3. Genes Give Clues to Newborn Lung Disease
4. Survival of newborns with abdominal holes differs according to hospital, Hopkins research shows
5. Elective Caesareans Raise Risk of Breathing Problems in Newborns
6. Wisconsin First State in Nation to Screen Newborns for Bubble Boy Disease
7. Better access to cool caps improves outcomes, lowers cost of treating asphyxia in newborns
8. Simple test accurately predicts risk of serious jaundice in newborns
9. Montana Passes Newborn Screening Law for Cystic Fibrosis
10. Draining away brains toxic protein to stop Alzheimers
11. Vision restoration therapy shown to improve brain activity in brain injured patients

Post Your Comments:

Newborn brain cells modulate learning ...(of TLX leads to a variety of development...),Health