Would you erase your ex? Researchers discover how to tweak neurons in mice to boost or delete individual memories
- Study manipulated neurotransmitter responsible for signalling in memory
- When they increased its release in the amygdala, memory was enhanced
- When signalling was decreased, they were able to wipe out the memory
- Researchers say the findings set basis for research in dementia and PTSD
Scientists may soon be able to wipe out your most haunting memories.
Researchers at Stony Brook University have found a way to manipulate neurons in the brains of mice to strengthen or erase particular memories.
These findings could work toward the development of new methods to enhance pleasant memories for people suffering from dementia, or even reverse post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a recent study, researchers tested the underlying mechanism of memory using a fear-based model in mice, and found they could enhance or wipe out memories. These findings could work toward the development of new methods to treat dementia, or even reverse post-traumatic stress disorder
Scientists generally believe that emotional memories are tied to the amygdala, though the mechanisms which control memory are still a mystery in many ways.
In the recent work, researchers tested the underlying mechanism of memory using a fear-based model in mice.
The team manipulated acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that acts as a mechanism for signalling involved in memory.
This neurotransmitter is delivered to the amygdala by cholinergic neurons, which reside in the base of the brain and have been thought to strengthen emotional memories when increased in the amygdala.
To stimulate specific populations of cholinergic neurons, the researchers used light to control the cells in living tissue, a method known as opto-genetics.
‘Memories of emotionally charged experiences are particularly strong, whether positive or negative experiences, and the goal of our research is to determine the mechanisms underlying the strengthening of memory,’ said Lorna Role, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurobiology and Behaviour and Co-Director of the Neurosciences Institute at Stony Brook Medicine.
The researchers found that when they increased acetylcholine release in the amygdala as a traumatic memory formed, this memory was enhanced, lasting more than twice as long as normal.
When acetylcholine signalling was decreased during a traumatic experience, the researchers were able to wipe out the memory.
Researchers at Stony Brook University have found a way to manipulate neurons in the brains of mice to strengthen or erase particular memories. In the 2004 film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, pictured above, a couple undergoes a procedure to have their memories of each other erased
‘This second finding was particularly surprising, as we essentially created fearless mice by manipulating acetylcholine circuits in the brain,’ explained Dr. Role.
‘The findings provide the basis for research examining novel approaches to reverse post-traumatic stress disorder.’
As research continues, however, the researchers say there will be some challenges.
Cholinergic neurons are intermingled with other types of neurons, and are fewer in number in comparison.
And as acetylcholine is a natural mechanism, future work will focus on non-pharmacologic methods.
‘The long-term goal of our research is that we would like to find ways – potentially independent of drug administration – to enhance or diminish the strength of specific memories, the good ones, and diminish the bad ones,’ said Dr. Role.
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